Senior officials of the Department of Defense Production under the chair of Secretary (DP) Sanjeev Kumar with adults from over 50 startups as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMES) to understand the major challenges affecting these businesses and identify opportunities and support them to attract innovation. The Mod statement said the brainstorming conference was held in the South District of New Delhi from March 24 to 25, 2025.
According to the Department of Defense, most of the startups and MSMEs that attended the conference were involved in the innovation of Defense Excellence (IDEX). Insights involving critical and emerging technology fields such as space technology, quantum technology, electronic warfare, drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning, radar technology, cybersecurity and advanced materials help understand their potential applications in civil and defense fields.
Furthermore, based on the MOD’s thanks for the participants for their valuable insights, the Secretary (Ministry of Defense) said that these meetings will help the ministry understand the perspectives of the industry, especially those of new technology startups. This will help fine-tune policies and procedures, leading to wider startup participation in Deep Tech.
Meanwhile, the headquarters Integrated National Defense Personnel (HQ IDS) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (DST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New Delhi on March 21, 2025. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) prior release said the agreement marked an important step in strengthening cooperation in defense research and development, aiming to enhance technological innovation in the Indian armed forces.
he released added that the MoU was signed by Department Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, HQ IDS, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan and Additional Secretary, DST Shri Sunil Kumar in the presence of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lieutenant General JP Mathew and Secretary DST, Shri Abhay Karandikar.The partnership seeks to leverage DST’s extended R&D capabilities to address the evolving needs of the armed forces strengthens the self-reliance of the defense sector in key technology areas by aligning defense technology research with the national scientific program. According to the statement, under the MoU, DST stated here that DST will promote its research infrastructure, expertise, expertise and academic institutions to meet the requirements of the defense department. The cooperation will focus on developing advanced military technologies and promoting innovation, which will help establish the overall goal of self-reliance.
The statement added that this partnership highlights the shared commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, aligning with the national vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and highlights the entire national approach to strengthening the country’s defensive preparation.
