Manthan 2025, the flagship annual defence innovation event, unfolded as part of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru on February 12, bringing together a dynamic mix of innovators, industry leaders, academia, investors, and senior government officials. Organized by the Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under the Department of Defence Production, the event reflected India’s growing commitment to fostering cutting-edge defence technology and self-reliance.
A key highlight of the event was a roundtable conference chaired by Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, who underscored the importance of adopting futuristic technologies to strengthen India’s combat readiness. His message was clear—embracing innovation is not just about modernization but a strategic necessity to ensure the country maintains a technological edge in defence. By integrating advanced technologies, India’s armed forces can be better equipped for future combat scenarios, reinforcing national security in an increasingly complex global landscape.
The roundtable saw participation from prominent figures, including the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Chairman of IN-SPACe, representatives from Axilor Ventures, SKEGEN Management Advisors, major Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and industry leaders from Bharat Forge Defence & Aerospace, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, ideaFORGE, Sagar Defence, and NewSpace Research & Technologies Pvt Ltd. Incubators from premier institutions like IITs and IIMs also took part, reflecting a broad-based commitment to strengthening the defence innovation ecosystem.
Discussions at the conference centered on pressing challenges and opportunities in defence technology, with a particular focus on empowering startups and MSMEs. Participants explored ways to enhance innovation capabilities and foster strategic collaborations, recognizing that a thriving defence ecosystem requires strong support from both government and private sector players. Notably, iDEX-DIO’s partnerships with leading investors and banks were highlighted as a critical step in accelerating defence innovation and streamlining processes for entrepreneurs working in this high-stakes sector.
Manthan 2025 was a powerful testament to the momentum of iDEX, showcasing how rapidly India is advancing in defence technology. The event reinforced the crucial role of startups in transforming the country’s defence capabilities, aligning with the broader vision of achieving self-reliance in military technology. As India moves towards its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, initiatives like Manthan will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a secure and technologically advanced future for the country.
