On August 12, 2024, a delegation from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), led by its Administrator Ms. Isabel Casillas Guzman, visited the Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) in New Delhi. The delegation, which also visited the techno-showcase organized by iDEX-DIO at IIT Delhi, engaged with the Indian side led by Shri Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (Defence Production), to explore avenues for collaboration in the defence innovation sector.
During the visit, an overview of iDEX was presented to the U.S. delegation, highlighting its success in creating a dynamic defence innovation ecosystem in India. iDEX has engaged over 450 startups and MSMEs, fostering the development of deep-tech technologies crucial for the defence sector. The initiative has played a pivotal role in advancing the Make in India drive, with the Ministry of Defence clearing procurement worth over Rs 2,300 crore for successful iDEX projects.
Ms. Isabel Casillas Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the U.S. SBA, praised the start-up showcase and commended the impact of the iDEX scheme on India’s defence innovation landscape. She expressed enthusiasm for further interactions between SBA and iDEX startups at the upcoming summit, with a focus on exploring collaborative opportunities.
Both sides also acknowledged the importance of the INDUS-X (India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem) initiative, which is enhancing the technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between India and the United States. Key initiatives under INDUS-X include joint innovation projects in critical domains and capacity building for startups, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
The U.S. SBA, an independent agency of the federal government, plays a crucial role in supporting small businesses through various financing options, from micro-lending to equity investment. This visit marks a significant step in bolstering U.S.-India cooperation in defence innovation, leveraging the strengths of both nations to foster a mutually beneficial partnership.
