DRDO collaborates with private sector on emerging technologies

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) informed the Lok Sabha today that a policy is in place to encourage collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the private sector on emerging and cutting-edge technologies.

The MoD shared that DRDO laboratories have structured research roadmaps in place to keep pace with global advancements in defence technologies and products. Additionally, DRDO prepares a bi-monthly document that offers a global review of new technologies and systems developed across the world.

A global scan is conducted using authoritative frameworks, and technological developments are actively monitored. DRDO also provides its scientists with online access to various international databases in the field of defence science and technology.

The organisation aims to foster synergy among academia, industry and its own research bodies to ensure the smooth transition of academic research into industrial applications for the indigenisation of technologies. In this process, start-ups, MSMEs and industries play a crucial role.

To realize this vision, DRDO has established a network of DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) to promote collaborative, directed research, facilitating the development of critical and futuristic technologies for defence and security applications. Currently, 15 DIA-CoEs have been set up across the country at premier institutions such as IITs, IISc and central universities.