Defence India Start-up Challenge

The Defence India Startup Challenge has been launched by the Defence Innovation Organisation to boost innovations under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme. The initiative has been launched with support from the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog.
The Defence India Startup Challenge calls for proposals to address specific technological needs of the Indian defence establishment.

Problem Statements under the Defence India Startup Challenge

The Ministry of Defence has stated 11 problem statements for prospective solutions to be provided by the Indian startup ecosystem. The problem statements are:

• Individual Protection System with built-in sensors
• See Through Armour
• Carbon Fibre Winding (CFW)
• Active Protection System (APS)
• Secure hardware based offline Encrypt or Device for Graded Security
• Development of 4G/LTE based Tactical Local Area Network
• Development of Advanced Technology Based Desalination System (Water Purification) and Bilge Oily Water Separation System
• Artificial Intelligence in Logistics & SCM
• Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles
• Remotely Piloted Airborne Vehicles
• Laser Weaponry

Start-ups showing capability, intent, and promise to be able to produce functional prototypes or to productise existing technologies in areas listed in the problem statement will be awarded up to Rs. 1.5 crores, on a milestone basis in the form of grant/equity/debt/other relevant structures along with incubation and mentoring support.

Defence Innovation Organisation

Defence Innovation Organisation is a ‘not for profit’ company under section 8 of the Companies Act. The Defence Innovation Organisation is funded by two Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), namely Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The headquarters of the Defence Innovation Organisation is located at Bengaluru.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme is aimed at the creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Startups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D which has good potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs. The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) will function as the executive arm of the Defence Innovation Organisation.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2019