Rajnath Singh says DRDO must explore more startups integration, target 100 projects in a year

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon DRDO to explore the possibility of including startups in R&D efforts, and wants officials to identify more areas that can enhance private sector participation.

He also urged each lab of DRDO to identify 2-3 critical projects which should be completed by 2025. “By the next foundation year, we should have 100 such projects completed,” Rajnath Singh said. He was at the DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi to mark the 67th Foundation Day of the organisation on January 2.

Rajnath Singh also appreciated DRDO's efforts in increasing collaboration with private sector, including providing its technologies and free access to patents. To increasing the involvement of private sector, Defence Minister porposed each lab should organise two open days every month for interaction with industry representatives.

Rajnath Singh said DRDO scientists must also keep an eye on products and processes being adopted by advanced countries, and develop niche technologies to make the organisations strongest in R&D worldwide. He said DRDO must keep moving ahead in sync with the emerging technological ecosystem, and plan new products relevant to changing times.

Read More: India’s defence exports crossed record Rs 21,000 crore over decade

The Defence Ministry has declared 2025 to be the 'year of reforms', and said DRDO will play a crucial role in achieving the objectives.

“DRDO can play the role of a catalyst for other similar organisations, academia, industry, etc., which can help in bringing a technological revolution in the country. A new ecosystem can be created, which focusses on defence as well as dual-technology areas, that can bring about a transformative change for civilian users,” said Rajnath Singh.

The DRDO has added more than 19 Development cum Production Partners/Production Agencies during last year. Its test facilities have now been opened to the industry for utilisation, and over 18,000 tests have been carried out for private industries/DPSUs in last three years.