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The recently launched ADITI scheme by the Union Minister of Defence marks a new era in promoting innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.

About ADITI Scheme

Scheme Objective: Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) is aimed at fostering innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
Development Goals: The scheme targets the development of approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe.
Eligibility Criteria: Start-ups can avail grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation efforts in defence technology.
Budget Allocation: ADITI is backed by a budget of Rs 750 crore spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
Framework: It operates within the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.

Bridge-building Initiative: ADITI aims to establish a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the modern Armed Forces’ expectations and requirements and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
Incentives for Innovators: iDEX has been expanded to iDEX Prime, offering increased assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore, motivating young innovators to participate.
National Transformation: Initiatives like ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime are instrumental in propelling India towards becoming a knowledge society.
Youth Empowerment: The scheme aims to nurture youth innovation, propelling the country forward in the realm of technology.