Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced several initiatives to reduce technical and financial barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups working in India’s defence sector.

The measures were unveiled at the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet, VIMARSH 2026, which focused on strengthening cooperation between government research organisations and private industry.

The initiatives include direct funding, incubation support and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities. The aim is to help smaller companies develop and test defence technologies and become part of India's growing defence manufacturing ecosystem.

DRDO Software Framework and Technology Transfers

DRDO also introduced a standardised framework for securely sharing software source codes developed by the organisation with licensed industries. The move is expected to support software-based defence systems and help industries respond faster to technology changes.

Nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners during the event. These agreements will allow companies to commercially produce advanced defence systems developed through DRDO technologies.

DRDO also signed a contract with the Quality Council of India for SAMAR 2.0, a system designed to assess and rate the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence companies.

Read more: India’s Defence Sector Shifts Toward Startups, Says Garuda Aerospace CEO

Focus on Innovation and Self-Reliance

Singh said cooperation between DRDO and industry should cover the complete technology cycle, including research, design, testing, certification and manufacturing.

He highlighted the role of MSMEs and start-ups in developing components, sub-systems and advanced technologies for major defence platforms. According to the Defence Minister, these companies need to be integrated more closely with large manufacturers and the wider defence supply chain.

The government is also encouraging investment in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic technology and directed-energy systems.

India Targets Greater Defence Exports

Singh said India's long-term goal is to achieve greater self-reliance in critical technologies and increase indigenous content in defence products. He also stressed the need for stronger defence exports and a larger role for Indian companies in global supply chains.

Government programmes such as Make in India, Positive Indigenisation Lists, iDEX, ADITI and the allocation of 25% of the defence research and development budget to the private sector were highlighted as important steps toward reducing dependence on imports.

Technology Development Fund grants are also supporting start-ups in developing defence solutions. The iDEX programme has created opportunities for start-ups to work on technologies based on the operational needs of the armed forces.

More Than 2,300 Technology Transfers Completed

DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh said technology transfers have expanded significantly under India's defence self-reliance programme.

He said more than 2,300 technology transfers have been provided to over 1,100 industries. Technologies related to around 50 DRDO-developed missiles have also been made available to industry to encourage wider private-sector participation.

The event also saw the release of a book titled Defence Systems for Resilient Bharat – Advancing Aatmanirbharta in Defence. The publication covers major defence systems developed by DRDO technology clusters between 2014 and 2026.

VIMARSH 2026 Strengthens Industry Collaboration

VIMARSH 2026 was organised around the theme “Varta se Vikas” and brought together more than 250 defence industry leaders, industry representatives, government officials, military personnel and DRDO scientists.

Technical sessions covered areas including aeronautical systems, missiles, armaments, microelectronics and naval technologies. DRDO also announced steps to simplify procedures, speed up access to testing facilities and reduce technology licensing timelines.

The event underlined the government's effort to build a collaborative defence technology ecosystem in which DRDO research, private manufacturing capabilities and start-up innovation work together to strengthen India's defence readiness and support the country's transition from a defence importer to a major exporter.