Gaurav Lulia asked: What is the scope of start-up in the defence sector in India and which are the segments open to it?

Laxman Kumar Behera replies: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a number of start-up schemes:

Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Under the ambit of iDEX, the MoD has already launched several rounds of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and winners of each round have been declared. Under the DISC, the MoD provides Rs 1.5 crore to address a specific technology requirement of the armed forces. Further details are available at http://makeinindiadefence.gov.in/pages/innovations-for-defence-excellence-idex- and http://makeinindiadefence.gov.in/pages/defence-india-startup-challenge

Make-II (Industry Funded): Under the Make-II, start-ups are allowed to use their own financial resources to participate in prototype development of equipment and parts and components, largely for import substitution. Successful prototyping will lead to guaranteed and time-bound order. There is also a provision for the industry, including start-ups, to submit suo moto proposals for the consideration of the government. A list of Make-II projects is available at http://makeinindiadefence.gov.in/projects/projectlist/2/1

Technology Development Fund (TDF): The TDF is managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Under the TDF, the DRDO offers a select list of technologies for development by the industry, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups. Funding of up to Rs 10 crore is provided under the TDF. Further details are available at https://tdf.drdo.gov.in/

Posted on July 09, 2019

Views expressed are of the expert and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IDSA or of the Government of India.