Startups now producing globally competitive products & significantly expanding exports: Dr Satheesh Reddy
New Delhi / Hyderbad, Oct 5 (FN Bureau) Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Former Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri & President, The Aeronautical Society of India (ASI), on Thursday emphasized that India’s supply chain ecosystem has transitioned from a local orientation to a global mindset, with startups now producing globally competitive products and significantly expanding their exports. Addressing after inaugurating the 7th Edition of Defence & Space Conclave with the theme Enabling a Global Ecosystem for Innovations in Disruptive Technologies organised by CII Telangana here, Dr Reddy, while providing insights into the transformative impact of disruptive technologies and innovations within India’s defence and aerospace sector, highlighted the industry’s evolution, with an increasing number of startups receiving support from both the government and academia.
India’s supply chain ecosystem has grown to be globally competitive, marking a transition from being a defence and aerospace importer to an exporter, Dr Reddy emphasized the significance of advanced materials and emerging technologies, urging India to assume a leadership role in these domains through robust government backing. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Special Secretary – Invest Telangana, Government of Telangana, has elaborated on India’s aspirations to bolster indigenous defence production and reach a $5 billion export goal by 2025. He commended Telangana for its proactive policies aimed at attracting global players in the aerospace and defence sectors. The state government, through innovative measures like technical skill training and the establishment of a dedicated aerospace and defence university, is actively addressing the talent shortage. He underscored the crucial role of government incentives in incentivizing industry participation and fostering growth in the aerospace and defence sector.
Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Outstanding Scientist & Director General – PC&SI, DRDO delivered a comprehensive address outlining India’s defence and space ecosystem. She showcased notable technological advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, fighter aircraft, radars, and more. Dr Kaushik emphasized a notable shift towards specialized technologies, including directed energy weapons, cyber materials, and quantum technologies, with robust government support and collaborative efforts between academic institutions and industries. Additionally, she discussed 75 challenges related to space-based technologies that can be addressed through partnerships between the industry and academia. Dr S K Jha, Chairman & Managing Director, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd., addressed the government’s crucial role in creating a level playing field for the industry, particularly in areas like research and development and operational systems. He provided insights into the industry’s challenges, including competition in the context of remote work, the necessity for efficient operational systems, and the importance of last-mile connectivity. Dr Jha expressed enthusiasm about India’s expanding presence in the space industry, highlighting ongoing programs like LCA and MCAT and the potential for significant market share growth. He also discussed the various opportunities within the space industry, underscoring the importance of collaboration between industries, academia, and government institutions.
Sai D Prasad, Vice Chairman, CII Telangana & Executive Director, Bharat Biotech International LTD., underscored India’s increasing importance in the defence and aerospace sectors. He pointed to a growing market, a substantial talent pool, and favorable geographical conditions as key factors. Mr Prasad emphasized the crucial role of government support, including funding and training, in building a strong ecosystem. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the industry’s potential for significant growth, with Telangana emerging as a leading hub for defence and aerospace initiatives. Dr Subba Rao, Convenor, CII Telangana Defence & Aerospace Panel Chairman & Managing Director, Ananth Technologies Limited emphasized the pivotal role of innovation within the aerospace industry. He drew parallels to the remarkable achievements in vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the effective collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Dr Rao advocated for a fair and equitable environment within India, addressing industry and environmental concerns in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). He also expressed concern about the limited presence of intrapreneurship in the country and stressed the immense growth potential if the government creates a more favorable environment for the aerospace industry.