INTRODUCTION
- Defence India startup challenge (DISC) 5.0 has been launched by union defense minister Rajnath Singh on August 19, 2021, for the excellence of defense – Defence Innovation Organization (iDEX-DIO).
- Singh praised the efforts of iDEX-DIO and during the ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav,’ he called this launch of DISC 5.0 a step towards creating an ‘AtmaNirbhar’ Defence sector.
- During the launch Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar along senior officials from the Ministry of Defence were present.
- Whereas, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General MM Naravane, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria along with young innovators participated virtually.
WHAT IS DISC 5.0?
- It is Defence India Start-up Challenge.
- This project is under the iDEX-DIO initiative so as to support the beginning of the ecosystem in India to develop the country’s Defence technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and equipment design.
- DISC 5.0 has been developed after the 3 years of the first edition of DISC.
IMPORTANCE OF DISC 5.0 –
- The defense minister after noticing the rapidly changing security and geo-political scenario in this world thought that it is very important to create a strong, modern, and well-maintained military and self-reliant defense industry.
- For this motive, the iDEX for the government offered a platform so that the country’s Defence and Aerospace sectors can expand their potential.
- 35 problems were displayed by DISC 5.0 under the iDEX initiative for innovators and start-ups to come out with solutions, from them 13 were from services, and 22 were from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
- From all the 35 problems it ranges across Underwater domain awareness, Drone SWARMS and Data Capturing, Augmented Reality, 5G network, Aircraft-trainer, non-lethal devices, Situational awareness, and Artificial Intelligence.
WHAT IS iDEX INITIATIVE –
- It is Innovations for Defence Excellence.
- It is the initiative to promote technology in India’s Defence and Aerospace sectors.
- It was launched by PM Modi in April 2018.
