Defence India Startup Challenge 4 Launched; Encourages the Involvement of Soldiers in Solving Defence Issues
1 October 2020
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched the Defence India Startup Challenge 4 (DISC4) under which innovators, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and startups have to find new ideas applicable to 11 specific challenges of the Indian defense sector. The initiative was launched during the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) event that was held via video conferencing.
IDEX4Fauji initiative and Product Management Approach (PMA) guidelines were also launched by the Raksha Mantri during the event to provide high-level policy guidance. General Bipin Rawat who is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) also participated in the event.
PMA guidelines aim to steer the potential ideas of the participants to foster prototype development for creating market-ready products. IDEX4Fauji aims to foster the innovative idea of 13 lakh service personnel that are working on the border under extreme hardships. The participation of Indian armed forces will ensure the creation of the best solutions for the Defence owing to their familiarity with the problems faced by every personnel on the border.The initiative will help provide our personnel with a platform to implement their ideas with the support of innovators and startups.
Rajnath Singh congratulated all stakeholders, including those in the Ministry of Defence (MoD), for creating an innovative environment for all the stakeholders. He said it’s important for people from various departments to come together to solve challenges. iDEX platform has sponsored ideas to promote talent and innovation over the last three years. The platform has provided innovation grants to over 58 participants under Support for Prototype and research kickstart (SPARK).
The convivial move would encourage interaction between the defence personnel, MSMEs, and innovators. The engagement is pivotal to spur fast-moving innovation in defense technologies. It will help India innovate for the future as well as become self-reliant and competent in defence technology.
