T-Hub, a leading startup hub in India, is ramping up support for the country’s defence and aerospace sectors. They’ve launched the SIDBI-T-Hub Funding Programme and inked seven strategic MoUs with key industry players.
This move, announced at the National Defence and Aerospace Innovation Summit (DIAS) on Wednesday (May 1, 2024), signals a significant push to foster innovation and strengthen national security.
Through partnerships with organizations like KAVACHH and Bharat Dynamics Limited, the International Institute for Space Studies & Research (IISSR), the Directorate of Defence Research & Development- Israel, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Collins Aerospace, the College of Defence Management and the Indian School of Business, T-Hub aims to drive knowledge exchange and accelerate technological advancements in these critical sectors. Additionally, the new funding programme aims to support emerging startups, bridging financial gaps and nurturing the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Jayesh Ranjan (IAS), Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government, said, “Telangana’s strategic focus on fostering both defence and aerospace technology reflects our commitment to progress and innovation. Through collaborative initiatives such as the Defence and Aerospace Innovation Summit, we are positioning our state as a leader in these crucial sectors. With a talented workforce and forward-thinking strategies, we are creating opportunities for growth and advancement, drawing positive attention to Telangana’s capabilities on both national and global platforms.”
Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub, said, “Through initiatives such as the Defence and Aerospace Innovation Summit, T-Hub empowers startups to harness their entrepreneurial spirit and develop cutting-edge solutions that tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. Within the vast expanse of the $440 billion global space market lies immense opportunity, with startups emerging as the trailblazers of innovation. At T-Hub, we envision an ecosystem where startups thrive, finding the support, mentorship, and collaboration needed to reach new heights. By bridging startups with corporates and facilitating exposure and networking, we are shaping the future of space exploration and defence solutions, all in line with the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The summit provided an invaluable platform for startups to showcase their disruptive technologies and solutions, spanning from weaponry and unmanned aerial vehicles to satellite technologies and cybersecurity. Through interactive sessions, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities, startups engaged with industry leaders, investors, and potential collaborators, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and expansion. Participating startups in the summit included, Skyroot, Edgeforce, Meridian Data labs, Axial Aero, Tractrix, IIC Technologies, Micronel Global Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Latentheat2Comfort, BinfordResearch Labs Private Labs, Jisnu Communications, Arka Aerospace, Zen technologies ltd, Dhruva Space Pvt. Ltd, and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd., and Big Bang Boom Solutions.
The DIAS event also hosted pitch competitions, allowing startups to present groundbreaking ideas to a panel of experts and investors, opening avenues for exposure and crucial funding necessary for their growth and sustainability in the defence and aerospace sectors.
Who was present?
Giridhar Aramane (IAS), Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, President, The Aeronautical Society of India, Former Chairman DRDO and Scientific Advisor to Rakshya Mantri; BVR Mohan Reddy, Padma Shri awardee, Founder and Chairman CYIENT and Founding member T-Hub; Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub, Anish, Anthony, COO, T-Hub, Sujit Jagirdar, CIO, T-Hub; Satya Prakash Singh, Chief General Manager, SIDBI along with members from Defence Advisory Committee (DAC) were present during the summit.