The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Technology and Test Centre (DTTC) in Lucknow organised a conclave at its Amausi campus on Saturday to foster collaboration with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in defence research, development and production. The event aimed to enhance participation in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

Over 100 representatives from MSMEs, start-ups and Laghu Udhyog Bharti attended discussions on skill development, research funding, technical consultancy, and technology development and transfer by DRDO.

In his inaugural address, the DRDO Chairman described DTTC as a brainchild of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, stating that it was now yielding benefits for industries. He briefed participants on industry-focused policies and available technologies, urging MSMEs to leverage the opportunity to engage in defence research and development. He assured that DRDO would extend full support to help MSMEs contribute to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and, ultimately, a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and the MSMEs for organising the conclave and highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Senior DRDO officials, including Dr RV Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), Dr LC Mangal, Director General (Technology Management), and Dr Mayank Dwivedi, Director General (Human Resources), were also present at the event.