New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) As India aims to position itself as a global center for defence innovation and manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence’s premier program—Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)—is outlined as a blueprint for future advancement, a report revealed on Thursday.

Furthermore, the ongoing initiatives under this program are enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces while also reaping benefits in civilian technology sectors, such as disaster management, space applications, cyber security, and energy.

A report from ‘Vietnam Times’ noted that the awarding of 650 innovation and development contracts—valued at approximately $344 million (₹3,000 crore)—demonstrates the Indian Defence Ministry's dedication to bolstering indigenous capabilities, empowering start-ups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and innovators to transform India’s defence ecosystem.

“Launched in 2018, the iDEX platform has evolved into a foundational element of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision—transforming the essence of self-reliance into tangible projects that integrate technology, entrepreneurship, and national security needs. Over the past six years, iDEX has transitioned from a bold policy initiative into a vibrant platform that connects innovators directly with the Indian Armed Forces and research institutions,” the report elaborated.

“The 650 contracts awarded encompass over 50 advanced technology categories—including unmanned aerial and ground systems, AI-driven surveillance, and encryption-based communication networks, along with advanced propulsion and miniaturized guidance systems. This growth has fostered an unparalleled innovation ecosystem where start-ups and small firms are now essential contributors to India’s defence readiness,” it further stated.

The report emphasized that the iDEX initiative has become a fundamental component of India’s defence industrial foundation, acting as both an incubator and accelerator for next-generation technologies. By aligning with the Make in India initiative, iDEX guarantees that innovation is synchronized with long-term production and supply chain objectives.

With over 350 start-ups and 100 MSMEs actively participating, iDEX has established a decentralized innovation network that promotes modular subsystem development, component-level enhancements, and import substitution.

“The achievement of 650 innovation contracts valued at $344 million signifies a pivotal moment in India’s quest for technological self-sufficiency. Through iDEX, the Ministry of Defence has created a platform that is reshaping the core of India’s defence innovation landscape. It has equipped innovators with the resources, funding, and partnerships necessary to transform visionary concepts into operational assets,” the report highlighted.