New Delhi, Aug 30 (KNN) Ministry of Defence has invited Indian startups and MSMEs from across India to innovate for nations’ defence sector under a “Defence India Startup Challenge”.

This challenge has been launched by Defence Innovation Organization in conjunction with Atal Innovation Mission under the aegis of Ministry of Defence to create an ecosystem which fosters innovation and encourages technology development in defence space.

This challenge is an open call to startups, MSMEs and individuals to solve some of the most critical technological problems being faced by the Indian Defence Establishments.

The vision of the Challenge is to help create functional prototypes of products/technologies relevant for national security (prototyping).

It also aims to help new deep-tech products find markets and early customers in the context of the Indian Defence Sector.

Eleven focus areas/problem statements have been identified under this challenge which includes Individual Protection System with in-built sensors, See Through Armour, Carbon Fibre Winding (CFW), Active Protection System (APS), Secure hardware based offline Encryptor Device for Graded Security, Development of 4G/LTE based Tactical Local Area Network, Development of Advanced Technology Based Desalination System (Water Purification) and Bilge Oily Water Separation System, Artificial Intelligence in Logistics & SCM,  Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles, Remotely Piloted Airborne Vehicles and Laser Weaponry.

All applications for this Challenge will be accepted online, and only through the dedicated form on the official website (aim.gov.in/idex/) on or before 30 September 2018.

The applications will be shortlisted by a high-powered committee on the basis of the information provided by them and shortlisted ones may be asked to present their technologies and business plans in person to high-powered committee of defence and technology experts.

Applicants will be selected by the committee on their ability to develop their proposed prototype /product/technology and its ability to meet the defence requirements.

The winner of the challenge will be awarded grant of up to Rs.1.5 crores.