Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the private sector to lead defence innovation, promising full government support to transform India into a global innovation and technology hub.
This significant push aims to make India one of the strongest countries worldwide. To achieve this vision, Shri Rajnath Singh launched "Dare to Dream 5.0," an initiative encouraging innovators and startups to develop transformative ideas for defence applications.
The fifth edition of DRDO's innovation contest seeks cutting-edge solutions to propel India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technologies. Several Deep-Tech challenges were unveiled to drive advancements in critical defence infrastructure areas, including compact electromechanical actuators, indigenous thrusters for naval ships, and high-purity silicon carbide source powder.
To significantly boost self-reliance, cutting-edge indigenous technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme were handed over to users, including DRDO and the Armed Forces. These innovations, created by startups and MSMEs with DRDO, enhance national security and mark a significant step towards self-reliance. The technologies include autonomous drones, simulators for unmanned vehicles, and advanced engine health monitoring systems.
The government's commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in the defence sector is evident through initiatives like "Dare to Dream" and the Technology Development Fund scheme, providing up to 90% grant support to eligible industries. With this renewed focus, India is poised to become a global leader in defence technology and innovation.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised the need for advancements in both incremental and disruptive technologies within the defence sector. He urged scientists, startups, and young entrepreneurs to think out of the box and develop innovative solutions to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
