Index FRAMEWORK

Subject: Defence

Context: Starting-up for defence: Government plans to fund at least 250 defence start-ups.

Concept:

iDEX is an initiative taken by the government to contribute towards modernization of the Defence Industry.
To reduce India’s reliance on defence imports, the defence ministry launched the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.It was launched by the Government in April 2018.
The ministry has earmarked Rs 500 crore to support MSMEs and start-ups through the iDEX.
iDEX aims to promote innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries (which includes MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia).
iDEX will provide the engaging industries with funding and other support to carry out Research & Development.
iDEX will be funded and managed by Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), and will function as the executive arm of DIO.