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Defence Ministry seeks more funds to expand scope of iDex scheme

About iDex

  • Launch Date: May 2021.
  • Implementing Body: Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India.
  • Objectives of iDEX
    • Rapid Development: Facilitate quick development of indigenized technologies to meet defence needs.
    • Engagement with Startups: Encourage collaboration and co-creation with innovative startups in the defence sector.
    • Empower Technology Co-Creation: Promote a culture of co-innovation within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
  • Funding and Support
    • Grants Available:
      • Up to ₹1.50 crore for projects.
      • Up to ₹10 crore under the iDEX Prime initiative.
    • Support Framework: Includes the Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) framework to facilitate research and development.

Related Initiatives of the iDEX Scheme

Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC)

  • Purpose: Launched to address specific problems faced by the Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factories (OFB).
  • Structure: Startups and innovators are invited to provide solutions to various problem statements issued by the Ministry of Defence.
  • Funding: Winners receive grants for prototype development through the SPARK framework, with amounts up to ₹1.5 crore.

ADITI Challenges

  • The ADITI initiative aims to develop innovative technologies for the Defence sector.
  • ADITI 2.0: Recently launched, featuring 19 challenges from armed forces and allied agencies focusing on areas like:
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Quantum Technology
    • Military Communication
    • Anti-drone Systems
    • Adaptive Camouflage
  • Funding: Offers grants up to ₹25 crore, targeting critical technological advancements.

Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) Initiative

  • It is part of DISC, MIRA focuses on developing medical technologies tailored for the armed forces.
  • It introduces targeted challenges to address the unique medical needs within military environments.

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