Science & TechnologyImportant2025-11-26

DRDO Organises Samanvay 2025 for Tech Transfer

Q: Which of the following statements regarding Samanvay 2025 and DRDO technology transfer initiatives is/are correct? 1. The event exclusively transferred technologies to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), excluding private MSMEs. 2. DRDO has established Industry Interaction Groups (IIGs) at all its laboratories to enhance engagement with private industry partners.

2 only — Statement 1 is incorrect because LATOTs were transferred to both DPSUs and private MSMEs/startups. Statement 2 is correct as the creation of IIGs across all DRDO labs is a key initiative to strengthen industry collaboration.

In News

What Happened

In late 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised Samanvay 2025, an industry synergy meet in Bengaluru. During the event, DRDO's Electronics and Communication Systems cluster handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) covering eight indigenous defence products to various industry partners. Over 150 industry representatives, including MSMEs and startups, participated in the event to receive these strategic defence technologies.

Why It Matters

This initiative is a critical step towards realizing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing by bridging the gap between lab research and large-scale private production. By empowering private players and MSMEs with advanced indigenous technologies, India reduces its reliance on imported defence equipment and accelerates domestic military modernization.

Background

History & Context

Historically, India's defence manufacturing was heavily dominated by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), with limited private sector participation. Successive defence acquisition procedures gradually sought to integrate private players, but technology transfer remained a hurdle due to complex policies. To address this, the government pushed for indigenisation through initiatives like the Technology Development Fund (TDF). The revised DRDO Transfer of Technology (ToT) Policy 2025 further streamlined the process to make it easier for MSMEs to absorb strategic technologies.

What Changed

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Technology Transfer Fees: BEFORE, acquiring DRDO technology involved significant transfer fees that deterred smaller companies. NOW, under the revised 2025 policy, technology transfer fees are waived for certain categories of MSMEs and startups.
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Industry Engagement: BEFORE, interaction between DRDO labs and private industries was often ad-hoc and heavily centralized. NOW, DRDO has established dedicated Industry Interaction Groups (IIGs) at all its laboratories and headquarters to facilitate continuous, direct engagement.
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Production Ecosystem: BEFORE, private companies were largely limited to manufacturing basic components as subcontractors to public sector entities. NOW, private firms are receiving direct LATOTs for complete, advanced systems like Electronic Warfare Suites and Laser Guidance Systems.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

The involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in defence manufacturing connects to the Class 11 Indian Economic Development textbook, specifically the chapter on Industrial Policy. It illustrates how strategic sectors are moving away from strict public sector monopolies to inclusive growth models that leverage smaller enterprises for national security and innovation.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements regarding Samanvay 2025 and DRDO technology transfer initiatives is/are correct? 1. The event exclusively transferred technologies to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), excluding private MSMEs. 2. DRDO has established Industry Interaction Groups (IIGs) at all its laboratories to enhance engagement with private industry partners.

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