Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme on Monday. With a corpus of Rs 750 crore, the scheme aims to empower startups and catalyze breakthroughs in critical and strategic defence technologies. This initiative, operating within the ambit of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty in the realm of defence.
The ADITI scheme, spanning the period from 2023-24 to 2025-26, represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between the evolving needs of the armed forces and the capabilities of the indigenous defence innovation ecosystem. Through grants of up to Rs 25 crore, the scheme seeks to facilitate research, development, and innovation in defence technology, nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth.
Speaking at the launch event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the transformative potential of the ADITI scheme, stating, “This initiative will not only nurture the spirit of innovation among our youth but also propel our nation forward in the realm of technology.” The minister’s remarks highlight the strategic significance of ADITI in India’s quest for technological self-reliance and defence preparedness.
The ADITI scheme is designed to address the pressing need for indigenous development of critical and strategic defence technologies, reducing dependence on imports and fostering domestic innovation. By earmarking 75 per cent of the defence capital acquisition budget for procurement from local entities, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government aims to bolster the domestic defence manufacturing sector and promote economic resilience.
Under the ADITI scheme, 17 challenges have been identified across various branches of the armed forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Defence Space Agency. These challenges are intended to galvanize efforts towards the development of cutting-edge technologies essential for national security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the limitations of relying solely on offset arrangements for acquiring technology from foreign sources, stating, “Acquiring technology through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and offset deals has its constraints, as countries often withhold their latest innovations. This underscores the imperative of fostering indigenous research and development capabilities.”
The ADITI scheme builds upon the government’s earlier initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing import dependency. In November last year, Singh announced the release of five positive indigenization lists, identifying 509 equipment for domestic manufacturing. Additionally, four positive indigenization lists were promulgated for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), encompassing 4,666 items slated for indigenous production.
The launch of the ADITI scheme marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach towards defence technology development, moving away from dependence on foreign acquisitions towards fostering indigenous innovation. By empowering startups and leveraging the innovative potential of the nation’s youth, ADITI promises to unleash a wave of innovation, propelling India to the forefront of defence technology prowess.
The strategic significance of ADITI extends beyond its immediate objectives, encompassing broader imperatives of national security, economic resilience, and technological sovereignty. By nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of indigenous defence innovation, the scheme lays the groundwork for a self-reliant and technologically empowered India, capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century with confidence and resolve.
Moreover, ADITI serves as a catalyst for synergizing efforts across academia, industry, and the armed forces, fostering collaborative innovation and knowledge exchange. By providing a conducive environment for experimentation and risk-taking, the scheme nurtures a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship essential for driving sustained progress in defence technology.
The success of ADITI hinges not only on the allocation of financial resources but also on the creation of an enabling ecosystem conducive to innovation and experimentation. To this end, concerted efforts are required to streamline regulatory processes, facilitate technology transfer, and promote industry-academia collaboration.
Furthermore, ADITI underscores the imperative of nurturing a skilled workforce equipped with the requisite knowledge and expertise to spearhead technological innovation in the defence sector. Investments in education, skill development, and research infrastructure are crucial to nurturing a talent pool capable of driving India’s technological resurgence.
In conclusion, the launch of the ADITI scheme heralds a new chapter in India’s quest for technological self-reliance and strategic autonomy. By harnessing the innovative potential of startups and fostering indigenous R&D capabilities, the scheme lays the groundwork for a robust and resilient defence industrial base. As India charts its course towards becoming a global leader in defence technology, ADITI stands as a beacon of innovation, empowerment, and national pride.
