Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC)

Why in news?

• Defence Minister on 19^th August 2012 launched the 5th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) under Innovations for Defence Excellence - Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO)

About Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Initiative

• It is an initiative launched in 2018 to contribute towards modernization of the Defence Industry.
• iDEX aims to promote innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries (which includes MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia).
• iDEX will provide the engaging industries with funding and other support to carry out Research and Development.
• iDEX will be funded and managed by Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)
• DIO has been formed as a ‘not for profit’ company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 for this purpose, by the two founder members i.e. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) – HAL & BEL which are Navratna companies.
• iDEX will function as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out all the required activities while DIO will provide high level policy guidance to iDEX.

About DISC 5.0

• DISC 5.0, also known as Defence India Startup Challenge is a project under the iDEX-DIO initiative
• DISC 5.0 has been launched after three years after the launch of the first edition of DISC
• DISC 5.0 showcased 35 problem statements, 13 from the Services and 22 from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) for innovators and startups to come up with solutions.
• These 35 problem statements range across underwater domain awareness, 5G network, non-lethal devices etc.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Initiative’, consider the following statements:

1. The initiative is funded and managed by Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)

2. The initiative will provide the engaging industries with funding and other support to carry out research and development

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer