This partnership is expected to strengthen defense research and contribute to the nation’s technological advancements in critical areas
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar on a range of projects focused on artificial intelligence (AI) driven surveillance and other areas. A recent meeting between officials from DRDO and IIT Bhubaneswar marked the beginning of this partnership. Binay Das, Director General of the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster at DRDO, and several senior scientists and officials from both institutions attended the meeting.
During the meeting, IIT Bhubaneswar was handed over nine sanctioned projects from the ECS Cluster of DRDO. Additionally, seven more projects are in the pipeline, expected to receive Rs 18 crore in funding. The institute will work on these projects, which aim to advance capabilities in electronic warfare, AI-driven surveillance, power systems, radar systems, and other related fields.
S R Samantaray, head of the School of Electrical Sciences at IIT Bhubaneswar, emphasised the significance of this collaboration in meeting the growing research and development needs of defence applications. “The collaboration of IIT Bhubaneswar and DRDO will contribute to the emerging research and development needs of defence applications, creating a platform for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’. This form of collaboration will enhance the sustainability of defence research programmes and will be part of the eco-system for nation building,” he said.
Binay Das encouraged researchers and faculty involved in the DRDO-sanctioned projects to work diligently, with a focus on systematic reviews and risk management to ensure timely completion and innovative outcomes. He highlighted DRDO’s shift from being technology followers to becoming technology leaders and trendsetters.
“The goal is now to move beyond attaining self-reliance to setting standards for the Indian armed forces, for others across the globe, to emulate. In this context, this collaboration, and the further opportunity to set up a Centre of Excellence at IIT Bhubaneswar would prove crucial,” he added.
This partnership is expected to strengthen defense research and contribute to the nation’s technological advancements in critical areas.
