The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been encouraged by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to actively include start-ups in its R&D projects. On January 2, 2025, the 67th foundation day of the DRDO, a meeting was held to make this call to action. In line with the quickly changing technology landscape, Singh underlined that incorporating start-ups will promote innovation and a beneficial interchange of ideas inside the Indian defense industry.
Singh gave each laboratory instructions to pick two to three important projects that must be finished by 2025 in order to reach the lofty goal of 100 projects for DRDO by that year.
He commended DRDO’s continued efforts to work with private sectors and urged more research into potential areas to increase private sector involvement. This includes setting up two open days for industry contacts at DRDO labs per month.
With the goal of making DRDO one of the top R&D institutions in the world, Singh asked DRDO scientists to keep an eye on developments in technologically advanced nations and create specialized technology.
According to him, DRDO might act as a spur for cooperation between academic institutions, business, and other groups, which could result in a technological revolution in the military and the civilian sectors.
Singh’s comments demonstrate a strategic shift in favor of working with start-ups to promote innovation, which is thought to be crucial for improving India’s defense capabilities in the face of current difficulties.
