Source: iDEX

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Context

• The Ministry of Defence signed the 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd.
• They will design and develop a miniaturized satellite which weighs up to 150 kg.

Details

iDEX

Introduction

• Flagship scheme of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• Launched in 2018 to foster innovation in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.

Objective

• Cultivate an innovation ecosystem by collaborating with startups, innovators, MSMEs, incubators, and academia.
• Provide financial support to nearly 300 startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and about 20 partner incubators through the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

Support and Engagement

• Offers grants and support for R&D projects with significant potential for future adoption in Indian defence and aerospace.
• Engaged with over 400 startups and MSMEs.
• Recognized as a game-changer in the defence ecosystem.
• Received the Prime Minister's Award for Innovation in the defence sector.

Funding and Management

• Funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), a "not for profit" company under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
• DIO formed by two Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• iDEX functions as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out necessary activities with DIO providing high-level policy guidance.

Budgetary Support

• Approved central sector scheme with budgetary support of Rs 498.78 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Rs 45 crore released for the financial year 2021-2022.

Promoting Innovation

• Aims to promote innovation and indigenization in the aerospace and defence sectors at the startup level.
• Encourages a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation.
• Empowers startups to be part of the defence and aerospace ecosystem.

Government Support

• Provides substantial grants and easier access to test facilities and infrastructure.
• Facilitates co-creation, co-innovation, and procurement processes.
• Creates a conducive environment for startups to innovate and grow in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Sources:

economictimes

PRACTICE QUESTION Q)Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) will be funded and managed by which of the following organizations? a) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) b) Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) c) Ministry of Finance d) National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) Answer: B