Industry stakeholders, venture capitalists and defence experts engaged with emerging companies to promote indigenous development and boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
A two-day seminar aimed at helping MSMEs and start-ups better understand India’s defence procurement and innovation landscape concluded in New Delhi on June 12, 2026. Titled “Demystifying Defence Procurement, iDEX, TPCR and Testing Procedures for MSMEs and Start-ups,” the event was jointly organized by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
The seminar brought together more than 150 MSMEs and start-ups, alongside venture capital firms and defence industry stakeholders, creating a platform for engagement on procurement procedures, innovation opportunities and indigenization initiatives within the defence sector.
Participants attended sessions covering key aspects of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme, the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR), certification requirements and user trial processes. Experts from defence organizations provided practical insights into procurement cycles, prototype development, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and pathways for industry collaboration.
Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions enabled attendees to engage directly with subject matter experts, helping them navigate complex regulatory, technical and procedural requirements. The programme was designed to simplify defence acquisition processes and provide emerging companies with a clearer understanding of how to bring innovative solutions into the defence ecosystem.
A major outcome of the seminar was the consolidation of critical procedural knowledge into a more accessible framework for MSMEs and start-ups. Discussions also highlighted opportunities for import substitution, indigenous technology development and greater industry participation in future capability-building programmes.
The event concluded with a renewed focus on strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Organizers emphasized that sustained engagement with start-ups and MSMEs, coupled with streamlined processes and stronger industry-defence collaboration, will be essential for advancing innovation and supporting the country’s long-term defence modernization objectives.
