Pune: DRDO hands over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology to industries during Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024
Pune, 25th February 2024: In a bid to strengthen collaboration with the industry, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organized a DRDO-Industry Meet on February 25, 2024, as part of the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 in Pune. The objective of the meet was to inform and update industries, particularly MSMEs and start-ups, about DRDO’s industry-friendly initiatives and policies, addressing industry concerns.
During the meet, DRDO presented 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries in the presence of Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, along with other dignitaries. The technologies covered various domains, including electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems, and aeronautics. These technologies encompassed the manufacturing of Carbon/Carbon Aircraft brakes for LCA Tejas, 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for MBT Arjun Mk – 1A, Expendable Mobile Shelter Solar Heated Shelter, NMR-Supercapacitor, Weaponisation of Hand-Held Thermal Imager with LRF (WHHTI), and High Pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression System (HP WMFSS). The products derived from these DRDO technologies are expected to significantly contribute to the defence manufacturing sector and bolster self-reliance in defence.
Nine Industry Partners received SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) assessment certificates from DRDO during the event. SAMAR serves as a benchmark to evaluate the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises, and an overview of SAMAR was provided during the function.
Dr. Kamat, in his address to industry partners, reiterated DRDO’s commitment to providing technology support for the development of Indian defence industries, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized that the recent successes of DRDO products have not only increased the country’s self-reliance in defence technology but have also opened immense opportunities for industries in the defence manufacturing sector. Dr. Kamat stressed the invaluable partnership with industries and highlighted the opportune moment for Indian industries to leverage the latest initiatives and policies of the government, making the country a hub for defence manufacturing.
An Open house session during the meet provided an avenue for industries to express their challenges, expectations, and the type of support needed, allowing for the refinement of the framework to enhance ease of doing business and facilitate industry operations.
The industry was briefed on the latest policies and procedures through which DRDO supports industries, including Transfer of Technologies, Test & Evaluation support, Technological and scientific support, R&D funding to industry under TDF, Free use of DRDO patents by industry, and the SAMAR scheme.
