Launched in April 2018, Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) targets to create an ecosystem for 200 start-ups in defence and aerospace technology in the first year of its operation.

A dedicated Defence Innovation Fund (DIF) is being worked out to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace, a top official informed here.

“We were able to come out with five solutions that were accepted by the forces to be moved into the pilot stage — that is a good start for the first year,” said Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, here on Tuesday.

Kumar delivered a lecture on iDex to about 60 participants of the 14th batch of Indian Institute of Management - Ahemdabad’s Armed Forces Programme (AFP). Kumar also stressed on the vital need for promoting indigenous capability in the defence sector.

An initiative of the Defence Ministry under the aegis of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), iDEX had announced India’s first defence start-up challenge and presented 11 distinct challenges to entrepreneurs, MSMEs and start-ups to find solutions for. The deadline to submit the solutions ended in October. According to Kumar, about 520 responses were received from across the country. A technical experts committee has been created to evaluate the projects.

He mentioned that the Defence Innovation Fund will facilitate rapid development of new, indigenous and innovative technologies, and creation of a culture of engagement with innovative start-ups. It will help encourage co-innovation and co-creation for defence and aerospace sectors.

iDex has invited interested participants of AFP to join the programme.

The AFP is a six-month full-time business management course conducted specifically for selected officers of various branches of the defence forces who are transitioning into a second career after completion of their tenure in the forces.

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