iDEX

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