New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched its innovation contest ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ on the fifth death anniversary of former President and noted scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on July 27.

Dr Kalam, also known as missile man of India, had the vision of self-reliance. The scheme is being launched for emerging technologies to promote the individuals and startups for innovation in defence and aerospace technologies in the country after the call of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ is an open challenge to promote the innovators and startups of the country. The winners will be decided after due evaluation by an expert committee. Award money up to Rs 10 lakh for startup and Rs five lakh to individual category will be given to the winners.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his happiness to announce the contest for the ‘Ignited Minds’, whether innovators or startups. Further information will be available on DRDO website www.drdo.gov.in soon.

Earlier in the evening, DRDO successfully organised a webinar ‘Remembering Kalam: An Enduring Legacy’ commemorating the fifth death anniversary of Dr Kalam, a Bharat Ratna who was also known to be as People’s President.

During the webinar, eminent personalities like Dr. VK Saraswat, Dr R. Chidambaram, Dr. AS Pillai, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, including Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, who is Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO were among others who delivered talks and shared their experiences of working with Dr Kalam.