Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Defence Ministry signs 350th contract under iDEX for miniaturised satellite

Key Points:

1. iDEX Contract: The Defence Ministry has signed its 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd.

2. Project Details: The contract is for the design and development of a miniaturised satellite capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs.

3. Indian Air Force Led: The project is being led by the Indian Air Force.

4. Milestone: This is the 350th contract signed under iDEX, with the 150th contract signed in December 2022.

5. Contract Exchange: The contract was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

About iDEX:

1. iDEX aims to achieve self-reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defense and Aerospace by engaging Industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia.
2. iDEX partners with leading incubators in the country to provide hand holding, technical support, and guidance to the winners of iDEX challenges.
3. Funding: iDEX is funded and managed by a 'Defence Innovation Organization' (DIO), formed as a not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 by HAL and BEL, two founder members.
4. DIO serves as the executive arm of iDEX, carrying out all required activities, while iDEX provides high-level policy guidance.
5. Financial support to Start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and Partner Incubators is provided through DIO.

Initiatives and Achievements:

1. iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge.
2. iDEX has recently introduced the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defense technologies.
3. iDEX is the recipient of the Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in Innovation Category in 2021.
4. iDEX currently engages with over 400 start-ups and MSMEs.
5. Procurement: Till now, procurement of 35 items, worth over ₹2,000 crore, has been cleared under iDEX.

ADITI Scheme:

1. Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) is a scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defense technologies.
2. It aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe.

Significance:

1. Innovation in Space Electronics: The contract enables innovation in space electronics, allowing for the miniaturisation of payloads earlier deployed on dedicated large satellites.

2. Advantages: The modular small satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads as per requirement, providing advantages like faster deployment, economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.

3. Boost to Defence Capabilities: The miniaturised satellite will enhance India's defence capabilities by providing advanced earth observation data.

About SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd:

1. Objective: SpacePixxel has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.

2. Contribution to Defence Sector: SpacePixxel's technology will contribute to India's defence sector by providing advanced earth observation capabilities.

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