Pune: The Indian Army launched a Regional Technology Node in Pune to promote and foster R&D and innovation in the defence sector amongst the organisations located in the region, particularly Start-Ups. On this occasion, the SIDM Start-Up Forum was also launched.

The event was organized by Headquarters Southern Command in conjunction with the SIDM. Held in hybrid mode, the event was live streamed and attended by heads and representatives of more than 100 industries, Start-ups and Army establishments from across  the country.

In his keynote address, Lt Gen JS Nain AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command highlighted that the Indian Army is constantly looking for futuristic and cutting edge technology through the Army Design Bureau and now through the Regional Technology Node(s). He emphasized that Start-Ups having niche technologies where timeliness of delivery and quality is ensured will have all support from the Army. He further added that not only will the Army be willing to invest public funds being released by the Government but will also look at key projects where Regimental funds may get invested.

Maj Gen Kirti Jauhar, VSM, ADG, Army Design Bureau, in his special address, mentioned that the Regional Technology Node (RTN) will look at providing the User requirement to the MSMEs, Start-Ups and Academia. The Node will further look at the capability of the Industry and match it with User requirements. “The RTN will support the Indian Army’s Project in the Region such Design and Development Project of Mech; projects of iDEX and DRDO’s Technology Development Fund”, he said.

Mr Jayant D Patil, President, SIDM added that the launch of the Start-Up Forum and  SIDM’s active MoU with the Army Design Bureau will aim to identify more opportunities for the domestic industry in line with the national goal of Atmanirbharta. He shared that SIDM looks forward to collaborating with the Indian Army on initiatives focused specifically on start-ups.

Mr SP Shukla, Vice President, SIDM highlighted that with initiatives like this, the partnership between the Defence Forces and the Industry would soon cross the threshold of maturity, which is so important to drive the agenda of self-reliance in defence for a country aspiring to enter Superpower Club.

Col Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President and CEO – Defence, Bharat Forge Ltd commented that India is a start-up nation and can become the leading nation in the world as 8400 new starts up and 20 unicorns were launched last year.

Mr Abhishek Jain, Chairman, SIDM Start-Up Forum said “SIDM Start-Up forum will inspire and facilitate innovators in indigenous design & development of various equipment and systems for the Armed Forces to contribute in strengthening the National Security.’’