In a major push to support Atmanirbharta and to promote an innovation ecosystem, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), conducted an outreach webinar for startups in emerging technologies. 89 startups pitched their indigenously developed innovations, ideas, and proposals to the Indian Army through virtual presentations in webinar format from 17 to December 28 2020.

The proposals focused on Drones, Counter Drones, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, Blockchain technology, 3D printing, Nanotechnology, and Medical applications.  

The webinars, organized by the Army Design Bureau (ADB), received a massive response, and 13 proposals were shortlisted for further examination based on their viability and applicability for the Indian Army. Prospective users and domain specialists from Army Headquarters and Army Training Command attended the event.

Speaking on occasion, the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army, Lt Gen SS Hasabnis, underlined the importance of self-reliance in the defence sector and called upon the defence industry, particularly the startups, to invest in emerging and niche technologies. The Deputy Chief also assured the startups that the Indian Army would assist and handhold them in co-developing innovations and technologies that can enhance the Army’s operational capabilities.

Source: Press Release
Release ID: 1684327
Date: December 29, 2020
PIB Delhi
Ministry of Defence