The third edition of Ahmedabad Design Week – ADW 3.0 – which is being organised by Karnavati University, will become a big platform for defence sector start-ups to be able to showcase their ideas and breakthrough innovations before the investors and experts. Some 47 startups are set to benefit from this opportunity. This year’s theme for ADW 3.0 is Design and Innovation in Defence and Aerospace – a topic of strategic importance. The event will be inaugurated by the Honourable General MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army; along with Shri Hari Babu Srivastava, Outstanding Scientist and Director General – Technology Management (TM), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on February 26.
Some of these startups work in Augmented Reality-based solutions for Remote Assistance; electro-optic surveillance systems, UAV heavy lifters, holographic solutions, drone technology, surveillance equipment and sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor-enabled systems for industrial health applications, cyber security, among others.
“Startups are known for bringing about breakthrough innovations in technology. This year’s theme of ADW 3.0 is very much in line with the Government of India’s vision of achieving Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing. Startups, known for breakthrough innovations and disruptions, have a major role to play here. The ADW 3.0 will see a host of defence industry experts in addition to industry thought leaders who understand precise requirements of the sector. We at Karnavati University aim to bridge this gap between investors, industry experts and startups,” said Mr Ritesh Hada, president, Karnavati University.
“Identifying the right technology and fund it at the right stage, will go a long way in helping these new ventures scale up their innovations and aid in attaining self-reliance in defence manufacturing in India,” Mr Hada further went on to say.
Representatives from industry organisations such as Monarch Networth Capital, GVFL, CII and GCCI, will evaluate the ideas of the startups and forge partnerships through funding and mentorship support.