"No Country Shares Best Technology": Rajnath Singh Launches ADITI Scheme To Boost Indigenous Innovation In Defence Startups

To promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (4 March) launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme.

Under this scheme launched at Defconnect 2024, start-ups are eligible to receive a grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology.

Pointing out that no country shares their best technology and the technology shared is not related to our learning, Singh emphasised the need to develop defence technologies indigenously.

"We are lucky that we have a large workforce of energetic and skilled youth. Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been brought to increase innovation and technology in the defence sector," Singh added.

Earlier, the startups were given financial assistance of Rs 1.5 crore under iDEX. Then it was increased to Rs 10 crore under iDEX Prime. Now ADITI scheme is being launched for financial assistance of Rs 25 crore.

"I want to congratulate the Department of Defence Production for starting ADITI scheme and choosing this name which means mother of gods. I hope this scheme, like mother, will nurture youth innovation," Singh said.