Theme and strategic intent
Swavlamban 2025 adopts the theme ‘Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation’ to underscore the Navy’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta in defence technologies. The seminar will emphasise collaborative solutions that accelerate the pathway from ideation to induction, matching operational requirements with indigenous design and manufacturing.
The two-day seminar will host dedicated exhibit zones featuring proven products and technologies that have progressed through the Navy’s ideation-to-induction cycle. These zones are designed to spotlight success stories from industry, academia and MSMEs, providing a tangible view of innovations that have transitioned into operational use.
Panels, policy and private capital
Organisers have scheduled expert-led panels to dissect policy frameworks and procedural bottlenecks slowing adoption of homegrown tech. A notable feature this year is an interactive session with venture capitalists and investors aimed at bridging the funding gap for defence start-ups and scale-ups. The session intends to map funding pathways, scale models and commercialisation routes for promising defence technologies.
Innovathon, compendia and problem statements
Swavlamban 2025 will launch an ‘Innovathon’ a focused challenge that invites innovators to develop practical solutions against curated problem statements. The seminar will also see the release of the Compendium of Technology Challenges and Problem Statements, the Swavlamban 4.0 document, and the Armament Indigenisation Compendium to guide industry efforts and clarify Navy priorities.
Industry–academia–MSME alignment
A core objective of Swavlamban is to create stronger linkages among industry, academia and MSMEs. Sessions will showcase how university research, small-scale manufacturing and large industry partnerships can be structured to deliver resilient supply chains, faster prototyping and affordable production runs critical factors for sustained indigenisation.
Focus on disruptive technologies
The seminar will highlight technologies with immediate maritime relevance: autonomous platforms, AI-enabled situational awareness, advanced sensors, secure communications, materials science, propulsion innovations and additive manufacturing. The Navy plans to encourage demonstrations that prove operational suitability while lowering barriers to trial and deployment.
Start-ups, scale-ups and the VC ecosystem
By inviting venture capitalists and ecosystem partners, the Navy aims to create a commercial pathway for defence innovations. The VC sessions will cover investment readiness, intellectual property protection, contracting models and avenues for dual-use technologies that can scale across civilian and military markets.
Policy impetus and procurement reforms
Speakers at the curtain-raiser stressed the need for policy clarity and procurement agility so that successful prototypes can be inducted without undue delay. Discussions will explore accelerated procurement lanes, risk-sharing partnerships, technology transfer frameworks and modular acquisition models tailored for rapid capability upgrades.
Who will attend and expected outcomes
Swavlamban will bring together innovators, defence industry leaders, MSMEs, start-ups, academia, research labs and investors. Expected outcomes include a pipeline of funded prototype projects, clearer problem statements for industry, expanded industry–Navy partnerships and practical roadmaps for faster commercialisation of indigenous technologies.