ADITI SCHEME -
GOVERNANCE
News: DefConnect 2024: Raksha Mantri
launches ADITI scheme to promote innovations in critical & strategic
defence technologies
What's in the news?
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Recently, the Union Minister of Defence launched
the ADITI scheme during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.
ADITI Scheme:
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Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with
iDEX (ADITI) is a scheme to promote
innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
Aim:
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It aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and
strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
Eligibility:
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Under this scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore
for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence
technology.
Time Period:
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This scheme is worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26.
Nodal Authority:
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It falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence
Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
Other Key Features:
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It also envisages to create a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the expectations
and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence
innovation ecosystem.
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In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges – Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force
(5) and Defence Space Agency (4) - have been launched.
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To motivate young innovators, iDEX was expanded to
iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore.
Significance:
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The idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as
ADITI, iDEX, iDEX Prime is to also transform India into a knowledge society.
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The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth,
and help the country leap forward in the field of technology.