Showcasing Maharashtra’s Defence Manufacturing Prowess:

• The expo, organized by the Maharashtra government, showcases the indigenous capabilities and innovations of MSMEs, private companies, DRDO labs, and DPSUs in the state.

General Pande’s Keynote Address:

• He commended Maharashtra for being a major contributor to India’s economy, highlighting its leadership in:
  • Industrial growth
  • Exports
  • FDI attractiveness
• He praised the state for being the first in India to establish a Defence Manufacturing Policy and designate aerospace and defence manufacturing as a thrust sector, resulting in:
  • Over 20% contribution to the national output of aircrafts, ships, and boats
  • 30% contribution to the national output of weapons and ammunition

Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat and Innovation:

• General Pande emphasized the improved economic growth and aspirations of Indian citizens.

• He appreciated the government and armed forces’ commitment to sustainable development through:

  • Policy reforms
  • Skilling initiatives
  • Infrastructure investment
  • Digital initiatives
  • Supporting entrepreneurship

• He highlighted the importance of leveraging MSMEs and startups in meeting the Indian Army’s capability development needs through the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative.

• He elaborated on the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program, stating that:

  • All projects are mandated to involve startups.
  • 55 projects worth Rs 400 crore are currently underway, involving 65 startups.
  • Four contracts worth Rs 70 crore have been finalized for equipment procurement.
  • The iDEX approach utilizes a “Spiral Model” for developing indigenous technology.

• He mentioned the Indian Army’s in-house Ideas & Innovation initiative, citing two successful examples of technology transferred to industry:

  • VIDYUT RAKSHAK – IoT-based generator protection system
  • A biomedical device

Promoting Innovation and Intellectual Property:

• General Pande underscored the Army’s commitment to promoting innovation through:
  • Pursuing Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for co-developed products
  • Filing 66 IPRs to date, with 13 patents, 5 copyrights, and 5 design registrations already granted

Army Equipment Display and Industry Interaction:

• The Indian Army showcased its indigenous equipment and systems at the expo, including:
  • Tanks
  • Artillery
  • Rocket launchers
  • Bridge systems
  • Air defense guns and radars
  • Assault rifles and other infantry weapons
• General Pande interacted with participating industries, encouraging them to align their products and services with the future needs of the Army.
• He urged everyone to contribute to building a self-reliant India through commitment and resolve.

This visit highlights the Indian Army’s focus on promoting self-reliance and fostering innovation in the defense sector, while collaborating with MSMEs and startups to achieve its modernization goals.

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Transforming Sanitation Through Robotics:

• End-to-End Solution: Homosep Atom offers a comprehensive approach, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and replacing it with a robotic one. It performs extensive blade cleaning, desilting solid waste, and suctioning and storing it all-in-one, streamlining the process and reducing operational costs.
• Reaching Diverse Locations: The robot has already made its mark in 16 Indian cities, demonstrating its versatility in tackling sanitation challenges across various environments.

Solinas: Deep-Tech Solutions for a Cleaner Future:

• AI-Powered Innovation: Solinas leverages Artificial Intelligence to enhance Homosep Atom’s capabilities, enabling inspection, cleaning, and confined space management for efficient sanitation purposes.
• Beyond Homosep Atom: Solinas has a broader vision. They specialize in creating miniature robots, including solutions for navigating narrow pipelines and addressing water contamination challenges.

Positive Impact on Communities:

• Protecting Sanitation Workers: Homosep Atom empowers sanitation workers by providing them with remote-controlled robots, allowing them to clean manholes from a safe distance, eliminating the risks associated with entering hazardous environments and upholding their dignity.
• Improved Efficiency and Sustainability: Solinas’ technologies contribute to cleaner water, reduced wastewater overflows, and improved sanitation infrastructure, fostering a more sustainable and healthy environment.

DST’s Support for Innovation:

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a crucial role in nurturing innovation. The DST-TBI program supports knowledge-driven startups like Solinas, helping them translate ideas into impactful solutions.

Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST, emphasizes the importance of supporting such endeavors: “DST’s support for startups like Solinas is a major source of encouragement for young individuals inspired by the government’s startup movement. It empowers them to address societal challenges, contribute to the country’s growth, and build knowledge-based enterprises.”

Solinas’ success story serves as an example of how innovation and technology can be harnessed to address critical societal issues like manual scavenging, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future for all.

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