Defence Sector Holds Immense Potential for Startups, MSMEs, and Entrepreneurs: Former CII Chairperson

New Delhi, Jun 28 (KNN) India’s defence sector is emerging as a significant avenue for startups, MSMEs, and young entrepreneurs, offering not just business opportunities but also a chance to contribute to national security and technological advancement.

Former Chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), R. Nandini, highlighted this potential during a recent industry interaction, stating that the ecosystem is now ripe for innovation and local enterprise.

With growing focus on “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and self-reliance in defence production, the government has rolled out multiple initiatives to encourage private participation.

Schemes like the Technology Development Fund (TDF) by DRDO and the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) programme are actively supporting small businesses and new ventures in creating cutting-edge defence technologies.

These platforms provide both funding and mentorship, making the entry barrier lower for emerging players.

Nandini emphasised that the integration of private firms, particularly startups and MSMEs, is critical to reduce dependency on imports and to boost indigenous innovation.

She noted that these enterprises bring agility, cost-effectiveness, and fresh ideas to the table—qualities essential for modern warfare technologies and defence logistics.

The defence sector, which was once considered a closed domain dominated by large PSUs, is now more accessible than ever. Startups working on drones, cybersecurity, surveillance systems, and AI-based solutions have a wide scope for collaboration with the armed forces and defence PSUs.

The government has also simplified procurement policies and is offering financial incentives for homegrown innovations.

Industry experts believe that with sustained support, India can not only meet its domestic defence needs but also become a global exporter of indigenous defence technologies. This transformation opens a new chapter of growth for startups and MSMEs across the country.

(KNN Bureau)