On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate DefConnect 4.0 in New Delhi, a pivotal event aimed at promoting indigenous innovation and highlighting India's evolving defence ecosystem.
This event will take place at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt and is organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence, known as the Defence Innovation Organisation, which operates under the Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence.
DefConnect 4.0 represents a significant milestone in India's journey towards defence innovation. It will bring together various stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, industry leaders, innovators, start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises, academia, incubators, investors, and policymakers.
The Ministry of Defence emphasised the importance of this gathering, stating that it aims to foster collaboration and spark discussions that will drive innovation in the sector.
One of the key highlights of the event will be a Technology Showcase, where iDEX innovators will have the chance to present their latest technologies and advanced capabilities.
This showcase is designed to engage a diverse audience, encouraging collaboration among participants and facilitating meaningful discussions that can lead to innovative solutions for the defence sector.
DefConnect 4.0 will also feature several significant announcements and launches from the Defence Minister. Additionally, there will be interactive sessions with industry leaders and defence experts, offering insights into the latest developments in the field.
A themed session will address recent budget announcements, highlighting key takeaways for the defence innovation ecosystem and discussing the latest initiatives in the semiconductor industry.
Since its inception, the iDEX initiative has launched eleven editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenges, receiving over 9,000 applications from aspiring innovators. Currently, it is working with more than 450 start-ups and MSMEs on various important projects.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, iDEX aims to provide a unified platform for stakeholders in the defence and aerospace sectors, contributing to the broader vision of a developed India by 2047.
During a previous event in March, Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of strategic autonomy for India. He highlighted that the country should not remain dependent on importing weapons, as such reliance could threaten its strategic independence.
The Defence Minister firmly stated that without self-reliance, India would struggle to make independent decisions on global issues aligned with its national interests.
Follow us
