Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 22 launched Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Prime and the sixth Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC–6) meant to encourage defence start–ups during DefConnect 2.0 in New Delhi.
- The iDEX-Prime aims to support projects, requiring support beyond Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 10 crore, to help the ever-growing start-ups in the sector.
- Apart from the three Services and some Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) which have participated in earlier editions, DISC 6 witnesses the participation of newly-formed seven defence companies, Indian Coast Guard and organisations under Ministry of Home Affairs for the first time.
- In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh described DefConnect 2.0 as a symbol of increasing technological prowess of the country and a celebration of the continuous growth of the Indian defense start-up ecosystem.
- The third edition of Innovate4Defence internship (i4D) was also launched on the occasion, inviting applications from students all over India.
- In addition, a DIO e-Brochure and the ‘Runway for Innovations’ e-Coffee Table Book was launched during DefConnect 2.0.
