New Delhi: Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EdCIL (India) Limited to accelerate the creation of dual-use technologies under the newly launched ASPIRE program (Accelerating Strategic Progress in Research and Education).
The partnership aims to bring together defence innovation capabilities and emerging ed-tech solutions to strengthen India’s indigenous technology ecosystem.
The collaboration under the ASPIRE program reflects a strategic effort to extend iDEX’s innovation model beyond the defence sector into civilian applications, addressing critical challenges with scalable and impactful solutions.
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MoU Signing Marks New Milestone for ASPIRE Program
The MoU was formalised in New Delhi by Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (DIP) & Additional CEO, DIO, and Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (TEL), Ministry of Education & CMD, EdCIL.
Through the ASPIRE program, both organisations will leverage their expertise to promote innovative technologies, aligning with India’s vision of fostering homegrown capabilities and strengthening the role of start-ups in national development.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, iDEX has emerged as a transformative platform in the defence ecosystem. It has successfully engaged over 650 start-ups and MSMEs, catalysing innovation in the sector.
To date, approvals for procurements worth more than ₹3,250 crore have been secured from Nodal Agencies, with procurement orders worth ₹1,652 crore placed for 36 products developed under the iDEX framework.
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EdCIL (India) Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Education, is a fast-growing organisation delivering project management, consultancy, ed-tech, and related services across India and abroad.
Over the past decade (FY 2014-15 to FY 2023-24), the company has achieved a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 24%, with revenues rising from ₹74 crore to ₹655 crore.
The collaboration under the ASPIRE program is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and advancing both defence and civilian technologies.
