Advancing Defence Capabilities: iDEX-DIO Initiates DefConnect 2024       

Introduction:

• iDEX-DIO, operating under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, is spearheading DefConnect 2024, highlighting the pivotal role of innovation in bolstering national defence capabilities.

About Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation:

• Initiated in 2018, Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) stands as the premier initiative of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• Objective: Its primary aim is to nurture an innovation-centric ecosystem within the Defence and Aerospace domain, fostering collaborations with startups, innovators, MSMEs, incubators, and academia.
• Funding: Established under the aegis of a ‘Defence Innovation Organization (DIO),’ a non-profit entity formed in accordance with the Companies Act 2013, the initiative receives support from two founding members, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) – HAL & BEL.
• Operational Structure: iDEX-DIO serves as the operational arm of DIO, executing all necessary functions, while receiving overarching policy guidance from DIO.
• Support Offered: Through grants and research and development (R&D) assistance, iDEX-DIO extends support to projects exhibiting significant potential for future integration into the Indian defence and aerospace sectors.

Conclusion:

• iDEX-DIO’s organization of DefConnect 2024 underscores the ongoing commitment to harnessing innovation for enhancing India’s defence capabilities, reflecting a concerted effort to synergize stakeholders and propel technological advancements in the defence and aerospace sectors.