Why in the news?

• The iDEXe – Defence Innovation Organisation has inked an MoU with EdCIL (India) Limited to foster the development of dual-use cutting-edge technologies , driven by the new ASPIRE (Accelerating Strategic Progress in Research and Education) program.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• Launch: 2018
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• Purpose: To engage startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, academia, and R&D institutions, encouraging them to develop high-technology solutions tailor-made for India’s defence & aerospace needs.
• Objectives:
  • Foster co-innovation between armed forces, startups, and academia.
  • Accelerate Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
  • Reduce dependency on imports through rapid indigenization.
• Funding: iDEX is funded and managed by “Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)”.
• Components:
  • Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC): Problem statements from armed forces, solved by startups/MSMEs.
  • Open Challenges: Innovators can pitch solutions beyond predefined areas.
  • SPARK Grants: Funding for R&D and prototype building.
  • Integration with DAP 2020: Successful solutions get fast-tracked for procurement.
• Significance
  • Strengthens defence ecosystem through innovation.
  • Promotes Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Builds synergy between industry, academia, and armed forces.
  • Encourages dual-use technologies (civil & military).