The Ministry of Defence announced on 14 October 2026 that close collaboration between the Defence Forces, DRDO, academic institutions, and private industry is essential to accelerate the development of indigenous technologies. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of AI, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity in modern warfare. He noted that IIT Kanpur is pursuing a US$1 billion fundraising campaign by March 2029 to strengthen research infrastructure and is proposing a School of Defence Technologies and a National Military Drone Technology Hub. The government has also approved a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme to encourage private sector investment.
Key points
- Goal: Raise US$1 billion for IIT Kanpur's 'Greater Than Us' campaign by March 2029
- Funding: Rs 4,155 crore already committed to the fundraising goal
- Investment: Rs 1 lakh crore scheme approved to boost private sector research
- Proposed: School of Defence Technologies and National Military Drone Technology Hub at IIT Kanpur
- Focus: Indigenous development of AI, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity
When it applies
- launch of IIT Kanpur’s ‘Greater Than Us’ fundraising campaign
- deadline to raise US$1 billion for 'Greater Than Us' campaign
Who it affects
- private sector