The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) announced it will operate the DRDO- Industry Academia-Ramanujan Centre of Excellence (DIA-RCoE), set up for defence technology research and development.
The centre was originally launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and has now been taken over by IIT-Madras and converted into a centre of excellence. The interdisciplinary research centre will bring in faculty and researchers from multiple departments to undertake translational research. DRDO will continue to work with IIT-Madras to develop advanced technologies for the national defence and security needs of the nation.
According to a press statement by IIT-Madras, the centre has been established to conduct directed research in advanced technologies for defence and security and to create a world-class research centre, developing cutting-edge technologies. The centre will contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in the defence sector. Launched by the Prime Minister, Aatmanirbhar Bharat aims to India completely in the defence sector.
The Director of the Centre, V. Kamakoti, spoke about how the project is an important milestone in bringing together the academia, industry, and the government, through DRDO, to collaborate and develop atmanirbhar (self-reliant) technologies. Specifically, it will provide a first-of-its-kind opportunity for start-ups and MSMEs to participate in this critical nation-building activity.
The centre was established based on the Defence Ministry Long’s Term Directed Research Policy, and will undertake multidisciplinary-directed basic and applied research in:
- Electronics and computational systems
- Naval systems and naval technologies
- Advanced combat vehicle technologies
- High-power CW laser sources
- Next-generation communication and networking technologies
IIT-Madras will develop core competencies in research areas as identified with DRDO to support future government programmes. This will aid in skill development and generate scientific and technologically trained manpower in crucial technological areas. The Institute will also collaborate with academic researchers and faculty at IIT-Madras and other institutes in the country to facilitate and advance technology research. The DIA-RCoE will emerge as a centre of excellence by conducting directed research in advanced technologies for defence and security and will endeavour to become a world leader in areas of research and technology, as per the statement.
DRDO has prioritised the development of futuristic technologies and systems for defence through academia and industry. This centre will identify the strength of faculty members and industry partners and develop cutting-edge technologies and systems for India’s armed forces, the statement wrote.
The DIA-RCoE will focus on basic and applied research by utilising the knowledge base of professors and researchers at IIT-Madras and also engage other academic institutions and technology centres in the country. DRDO scientists with requisite research and technology expertise will be associated with the academic faculties/researchers to achieve progress in intended scientific investigations and the development of advanced technologies.
DRDO is the research and defence wing of the Ministry of Defence. Its aim is to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems. It equips the armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment. It was formed in 1958 and has grown multi-directionally in terms of disciplines, a number of laboratories, and accomplishments. Currently, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories that develop technology in aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, and naval systems.
