Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate DefConnect 4.0 on Monday, a pivotal event aimed at promoting indigenous innovation within India’s growing defense ecosystem. The event will take place at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt.
Organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under the Ministry of Defence, DefConnect 4.0 aims to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders. According to a Ministry of Defence statement, the gathering will include Armed Forces members, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), industry leaders, innovators, start-ups, MSMEs, academia, incubators, investors, and policymakers.
A highlight of the event will be the Technology Showcase, where iDEX innovators will have the opportunity to present their cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking products. This showcase aims to foster collaboration and stimulate dialogue among attendees, driving innovation in the defense sector.
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In addition to the showcase, DefConnect 4.0 will feature key announcements and launches by the Defence Minister. There will be interactive sessions with industry leaders and defense experts, including a themed discussion on recent budget announcements and initiatives in the semiconductor sector.
To date, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenges, receiving over 9,000 applications. The organization is currently collaborating with more than 450 start-ups and MSMEs on various significant projects.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, iDEX aims to create a unified platform for stakeholders in the defense and aerospace sectors. It supports the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Earlier this year, during the launch of the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of strategic autonomy. He argued that dependence on weapon imports could jeopardize India’s ability to make independent decisions on global issues.
“Without self-reliance, India cannot take independent decisions on global issues in line with its national interests,” the Defence Minister stated, highlighting the necessity of Indigenous capabilities in the defense sector.
