Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Marks Rapid Progress in GaN Technology, Spearheading ‘Make in India’ Initiatives
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a significant achievement for India’s defence sector, the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, under the Department of Defence Production, has recently celebrated the signing of its 300th contract. This milestone contract focuses on the critical domain of designing and developing advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) Semiconductors, pivotal for the evolution of wireless transmitters in defence applications.
Gallium Nitride Semiconductors: A Paradigm Shift in Defence Technology
The signed contract signifies a strategic move towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities by locally designing, developing, and manufacturing Gallium Nitride components. GaN technology is at the forefront of wireless transmitter advancements crucial for the next generation of defence applications. Currently, most GaN components are imported due to the sensitive nature of the technology, and this initiative aims to change that landscape, promoting indigenous design and development.
Milestone Contract Signing Ceremony
The momentous contract was formalized in a ceremony held in New Delhi on December 01, 2023. T Natarajan, Additional Secretary (Defence Industries Production) & CEO/DIO, inked the contract with M/s Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, alongside other senior civil and military officials from the Ministry of Defence.
Rapid Progress: Nine Months to Achieve 300 Contracts
Remarkably, iDEX achieved the 300-contract milestone within just nine months of signing its 200th contract. This rapid progress underscores the initiative’s efficacy in driving innovation within the defence sector. The accelerated momentum follows the signing of the Indian Navy Prime Challenge winner contract under the SPRINT initiative on February 15, 2023.
BEL Procurement Contract: Strengthening ‘Make in India’ Initiative
In tandem with this achievement, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) secured a procurement contract with iDEX winner M/s Blurgs Innovations Private Limited for their TRIDENT solution. TRIDENT, an intelligent maritime domain awareness tool, aims to enhance maritime security through anomalous detection, and expediting decision-making processes. This marks a significant milestone as the first procurement order by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) under the iDEX scheme, reinforcing the commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
iDEX: Catalyst for Defence Innovation
Launched in 2018 by the Prime Minister, the iDEX framework has emerged as a catalyst for fostering innovation in the defence sector. Implemented by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), iDEX has played a transformative role, generating momentum through flagship programs such as DISC, Prime, and Open Challenges (OC). Recognized with the prestigious Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category for 2021, iDEX has not only created job opportunities but also attracted top-tier talent back to the country.
In conclusion, iDEX’s relentless pursuit of excellence in defence innovation, as demonstrated by its 300th contract milestone, solidifies its pivotal role in propelling India’s defence capabilities and fostering a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence ecosystem.
