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Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
Context:
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed its 350th contract under iDEX for a miniaturised satellite.
More on News:
- This contract was signed with Space Pixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. It aims to design and develop a miniaturised satellite that can carry payloads like electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral systems, weighing up to 150 kg.
Miniaturised Satellites are modular small satellites capable of integrating multiple miniaturised payloads. 
About Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX):
- Launch: 2018
- Aim: Foster innovation in Defence and Aerospace by engaging industries, MSMEs, startups, innovators, R&D institutes, and academia.
- It provides grants, funding, and research and development (R&D) support.
- Established by: Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Department of Defence Production.
- It operates as the operational branch of DIO, responsible for executing all necessary activities, while DIO offers overarching policy guidance to iDEX.
- iDEX Achievements:
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- Launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge.
- Recently, it unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme.
- To promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
- Till now, procurement of 35 items, worth over ₹2,000 crore, has been cleared under iDEX.
- iDEX was the recipient of the Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category in 2021
- It is currently engaged with over 400 start-ups and MSMEs.
India’s Pursuit of Defense Self-Reliance and Innovation
- Since Independence, India has prioritised self-reliance in defence and production.
- As the world’s largest defence equipment importer, India plans to invest USD 220 billion in the next decade for modernising its armed forces.
- Initiatives like Make In India, Startup India, and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) aim to boost innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The government is focused on swiftly integrating innovation into defence procurement.