iDEX Reaches 300th Contract Milestone

December 4, 2023

The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Department of Defence Production, has achieved a significant milestone by signing its 300th contract. This landmark contract focuses on the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors, a crucial element for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defence applications, including radars and Electronics Warfare (EW) jammers.

Purpose of the Initiative

Presently, the majority of Gallium Nitride (GaN) components are imported due to the sensitivity and cutting-edge nature of the technology, with many countries controlling and restricting its export. The new contract aims to break this import dependency by designing, developing, and manufacturing GaN components for defence within India, utilizing entirely indigenous GaN technology. This initiative is anticipated to significantly boost indigenous design and development capabilities, opening avenues for substantial growth in the defence sector, including potential exports.

Significant Achievement and Timeline

The 300th contract was signed by Additional Secretary (Defence Industries Production) & CEO/DIO T Natarajan with M/s Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited. The iDEX reached this milestone within nine months of signing its 200th contract, which was part of the Indian Navy Prime challenge launched under the SPRINT initiative on February 15, 2023. The 150th contract was signed in December 2022.

About iDEX

Launched by the Prime Minister in 2018, iDEX aims to provide a platform for co-creation and co-development in the defence sector, engaging startups and fostering the development of the defence and aerospace setup in the country. Implemented by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Department of Defence Production, iDEX has rapidly emerged as a game changer in the defence ecosystem. Recognized with the prestigious Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category for the year 2021, iDEX has successfully generated a critical mass of startups in the defence sector, creating jobs and attracting India’s talent back to the country.

‘Make in India’ Commitment

In alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a procurement contract with iDEX Winner M/s Blurgs Innovations Private Limited. This marks the first procurement order placed by a Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) under the iDEX scheme. The contract is for their solution TRIDENT, an intelligent maritime domain awareness tool designed to enhance maritime security through anomalous detection, supporting quicker decision-making processes. This underscores iDEX’s role as a ‘path to procurement’ for innovators, further fostering the ‘Make in India’ commitment in the defence sector.

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