The iDEX(Innovations for Defense Excellence)framework was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018 to provide a platform for co-creation and co-development in the defense sector and engage start-ups to contribute to the defense sector and develop the country’s defense and aerospace setup.iDEXl, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defense Production, inaugurated the milestone of signing its 100th contract on 26 July 2022.iDEX is implemented by the Defense Innovation Organization (DIO), established under the Ministry of Defense Production of the Ministry of Defence.
In a short span of time, iDEX, which has also been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Public Policy in the Innovation category for 2021, with its flagship programs such as Defense India Start-up Challenges (DISC), Prime and Open Challenges (OC). iDEX was able to build the required momentum and create a critical mass of start-ups in the defense sector.Today the 100th contract was signed by Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and Director General, DIO Shri Sanjay Jaju with CEO of Pacify Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd Shri Sai prasad Poyarekar. The Minister of Defense Dr. Ajay Kumar and Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen BS Raju. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajay Kumar said, “We are confident that iDEX will make India the largest defense innovation ecosystem in the world. For this, I would like to thank the tireless and continuous efforts and support of all stakeholders, including services, start-ups, partner incubators and the iDEX team.”
To date, iDEX has launched iDEX Prime, seven DISC rounds (including DISC SPRINT) and five OC rounds, receiving over 4,000 applications from individual innovators, SMEs and start-ups. Over Rs 250 crore has been allocated for projects and procurement of 14 items worth over Rs 400 crore has been approved. iDEX has also been able to create thousands of jobs and attract Indian talent back to the country. Over the past four years, 17 start-ups in 14 projects have already been awarded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) for trial and purchase in March 2022. Projects from the balance of DISC 1 and 2 and some of DISC 3 are nearing completion and may be granted an AoN by the DAC by the end of the current financial year.iDEX is working at an incredible pace to ensure that its deals with start-ups and innovators reach their logical conclusions in a timely manner, potentially opening up a myriad of opportunities for startups, soon-to-be-unicorns, while simultaneously addressing service requirements.