Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated the Swavlamban 2024 Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam’s Exhibition Hall 14 today. Part of the annual event organized by the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), this third edition of Swavlamban focuses on the theme “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation,” underscoring India’s push for self-reliance and advanced technology in defence.
Open to the public on October 28 and 29, the exhibition offers a platform for innovators, startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to display cutting-edge technologies, concepts, and products developed in India’s defence sector. It aims to foster collaboration and investment, with participants including Indian defence startups, investors, and industry leaders.
The opening day featured an interactive session focused on ADITI 2.0, a new initiative under the Defence Innovation Organisation’s iDEX scheme. This outreach encouraged discussion around problem statements in the defence sector and served as a networking ground for “Fund Seekers” (startups/MSMEs) to connect with “Fund Providers” (venture capitalists/incubators). ADITI 2.0, through the iDEX scheme, seeks to address key challenges facing national security by fostering a culture of innovation and promoting indigenous solutions.
Prominent attendees included members of the Defence Attache Corps, representatives from the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), academia, and the general public. Their participation is expected to energize India’s defence innovation landscape, inspiring a culture of creativity and collaboration to tackle emerging challenges.
The Swavlamban 2024 Exhibition will remain open to visitors on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., inviting the public to explore the advancements being made by Indian startups and MSMEs in the realm of national defence. (Pr)