Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO)

About Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation

• It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India launched in 2018.
• Objective: The objective of the scheme is to cultivate an innovation ecosystem in the Defence and Aerospace sector by collaborating with startups, innovators, MSMEs, incubators, and academia.
• Funding: It will be funded and managed by a ‘Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)’ which has been formed as a ‘not for profit’ company as per the Companies Act 2013 for this purpose, by the two founder memberse. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) - HAL & BEL.
• It functions as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out all the required activities while DIO will provide high level policy guidance to iDEX.
• It offers grants and support for R&D with significant potential for future adoption in Indian defence and aerospace.
• It is currently engaged with around 400+ Startups and MSMEs.

Q1) What is DefConnect 2024?

It represents a significant milestone in the country’s defence innovation landscape, bringing together key stakeholders including the Armed Forces, defence industry leaders, start-ups, academia, and policymakers. The event aims to facilitate meaningful engagements, showcase cutting-edge technologies and is poised to be a transformative platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the defence sector. 

Source: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to inaugurate DefConnect 2024 to encourage indigenous defence innovation