Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasised the need for closer collaboration among the Armed Forces, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), academic institutions, defence public sector undertakings and private industry, including start-ups, to accelerate the development, adoption and continuous upgradation of indigenous defence technologies.
Speaking at the launch of IIT Kanpur’s ‘Greater Than Us’ fundraising campaign in New Delhi, the Raksha Mantri highlighted how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, advanced sensors, cybersecurity and space-based capabilities are transforming the nature of warfare. He stressed that strengthening India’s indigenous technological capabilities is essential for national security and maintaining a strategic edge.
IITs to Play a Key Role in Defence Innovation:
Rajnath Singh underlined the growing relationship between national security and technological advancement, noting that premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) can help bridge the gap between academic research, operational defence requirements and industrial applications.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat as a cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat vision, he said India must evolve from being a consumer of knowledge and technology to becoming a leading contributor to their creation.
Highlighting the achievements of the IIT ecosystem, the Defence Minister noted that it has supported more than 6,000 start-ups, 56 unicorns and nearly 5,000 patents. He described these accomplishments as evidence of the growing role of higher education and research institutions in driving innovation, entrepreneurship and technological self-reliance.
New Initiatives to Strengthen Indigenous Defence Technologies:
The Raksha Mantri acknowledged IIT Kanpur’s initiatives in defence research, particularly its DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence, and welcomed the proposal to establish a School of Defence Technologies at the institute.
He also stated that the proposal to establish a National Military Drone Technology Hub at IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, had made significant progress, with the approval process nearing completion. The proposed hub aims to accelerate indigenisation, foster innovation and strengthen India’s combat capabilities through advanced drone technologies.
Singh expressed confidence that such collaborative initiatives would bring together scientific talent, institutional expertise and the operational experience of the Armed Forces to develop strategically important indigenous technologies.
Promoting Industrial Growth and Emerging Technologies:
Highlighting IIT Kanpur’s potential to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s industrial ecosystem, the Defence Minister said the institute could serve as a bridge between scientific research and industrial applications, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, investment and economic growth.
He also highlighted the institute’s C3i Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub and its medical school as important initiatives in cybersecurity, healthcare and medical technology innovation.
Emphasising the importance of research in emerging fields, Singh identified advanced materials, semiconductors, quantum technology and environmental sustainability as critical areas for addressing national priorities and developing future-ready technologies.
Government Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore Research and Innovation Scheme:
Stressing the need for sustained investment in research and innovation, the Defence Minister referred to the Government’s approval of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, aimed at encouraging private-sector investment in research and advanced technologies.
He emphasised that effective collaboration among policymakers, academic institutions and industry is essential to building a robust innovation ecosystem. While government policies can create an enabling environment, educational and research institutions must nurture talent and generate ideas, and industry must help transform innovations into practical applications and scale them up.
IIT Kanpur’s $1 Billion Fundraising Campaign:
Through its Greater Than Us campaign, IIT Kanpur aims to raise US$1 billion by March 2029, making it the largest fundraising campaign undertaken by an IIT. According to the institute, commitments worth ₹4,155 crore—nearly half of the target—have already been secured from alumni, donors, corporate partners and the government.
The campaign seeks to strengthen research infrastructure, nurture talent and accelerate the development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies and innovations, supporting India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.
Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance research capabilities, provide advanced facilities, expand opportunities for talented students and support solutions to national and global challenges. He urged IIT Kanpur’s alumni, industry leaders, philanthropic organisations and institutional partners to contribute through financial support, mentorship, research collaborations and professional networks.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; and faculty members, students and alumni of the institute attended the event.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of defence-academia-industry partnerships in advancing indigenous innovation, strengthening technological self-reliance and enhancing India’s preparedness for the evolving demands of modern warfare.
