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A start-up founded by woman entrepreneur Dr Shivani Verma has successfully developed a groundbreaking AI tool named “Divya Drishti”. This achievement follows Dr Verma’s victory in the prestigious Dare to Dream Innovation Contest 2.0, a nationwide competition organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
“Divya Drishti” represents a significant leap forward in biometric authentication technology by integrating facial recognition with immutable physiological parameters such as gait and skeletal structure. This innovative solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of identifying individuals, creating a robust and multifaceted authentication system.
By combining facial recognition with gait analysis, “Divya Drishti” minimises the risk of false positives and identity fraud. This dual approach ensures a higher level of precision in identification, making it a versatile tool with applications across various sectors, including Defence, Law Enforcement, Corporate Security, and Public Infrastructure.
The development of “Divya Drishti” was made possible through the technical guidance and mentoring of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), a DRDO laboratory based in Bangalore. This collaboration highlights the importance of support and mentorship in fostering innovative solutions that address critical security challenges.
Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO congratulated the startup and the DRDO team on their remarkable achievement. He highlighted that the development of ‘Divya Drishti’ under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) exemplifies DRDO’s commitment to fostering innovation within startups in the defence and aerospace industries, aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) is a premier laboratory under DRDO, dedicated to research and development in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Command and Control, and Information and Communication Security. CAIR focuses on developing mission-critical products for secure battlefield communication and information management systems.
CAIR enhances the effectiveness and robustness of battlespace information systems by innovating and developing advanced technologies. The laboratory creates value by developing systems that address the challenges of delivering assured performance in constrained and disadvantaged battlespace environments. It anticipates and proactively resolves emerging cybersecurity challenges, ensuring robust defences against evolving threats.
Additionally, CAIR leverages advancements in cognitive and artificial intelligence systems to achieve increased autonomy in unmanned systems, pushing the boundaries of what these technologies can accomplish in complex scenarios. Furthermore, CAIR plays a crucial role in driving the national debate on technology policy, emphasising its importance for preserving national security and achieving self-sufficiency.
The pioneering AI tool “Divya Drishti” advances biometric authentication technology by combining facial recognition with gait analysis, enhancing accuracy and reliability. This innovation is poised to significantly impact multiple sectors, demonstrating the potential for robust identification systems.
DRDO also recently unveiled its Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) in Kerala, enhancing naval technology by providing a state-of-the-art hub for testing sonar systems for the Indian Navy. Featuring innovative surface-floating and submersible platforms, the facility supports advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare research and complies with regulatory standards. This initiative, part of India’s increased defence budget, underscores DRDO’s commitment to innovation, highlighted by successful trials of the Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile and the Agni-Prime ballistic missile.
India is strongly committed to developing indigenous technology and IT solutions, underlining its dedication to innovation and self-reliance in the rapidly advancing digital landscape. India’s journey towards technological self-reliance and innovation has reached new heights with concerted efforts from organisations like the DRDO, CSIR and IndiaAi among a host of others.