iDEX and EdCIL Collaborate to Transform Defence and Education through Cutting-Edge Technologies

The Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DI) has announced a strategic partnership with EdCIL (India) Limited to advance dual-use technologies that merge defence and ed-tech solutions. This collaboration is part of the new ASPIRE (Accelerating Strategic Progress in Research and Education) program, as disclosed in a Ministry of Defence press release.

The partnership was formally established by Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (DIP) & Additional CEO of DIO, and Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (TEL), Ministry of Education & CMD of EdCIL, in New Delhi on September 9, 2025. The collaboration seeks to broaden iDEX's innovative framework to civilian applications, addressing key challenges and leveraging expertise to promote indigenous innovation in technology.

This initiative is set to revitalize the start-up ecosystem in India, facilitating scalable and impactful technological advancements. Since its inception by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, iDEX has significantly influenced the defence sector, engaging with over 650 start-ups and MSMEs. To date, procurement clearances for products worth over Rs 3,250 crore have been approved, and orders valued at Rs 1,652 crore have been placed under the iDEX framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)