Silicon University collaborated with Odisha Corporate Foundation (OCF) to organize a seminar on ‘Defence Innovation and Excellence’ on 6 April 2024.
The objective of the seminar was to explore and advocate the advancement of defence innovation and excellence within the framework of India’s strategic vision for being self-reliant. It sought to foster discussions on leveraging cutting-edge technologies, enhancing indigenous capabilities, and promoting collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to strengthen India’s defence capabilities and achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Jaideep Talukdar, our Vice-Chancellor following an introductory speech by Shri Dilip Satpathy, Chief Advisor, OCF. The keynote address of the seminar was delivered by Brigadier (Dr.) Laxmi Charan Patnaik, former chairman of Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) & Defence Advisor, Middle East Affairs. In his address, Brigadier Patnaik highlighted the crucial role of India’s youth, entrepreneurs, scientists, academicians, and business leaders in achieving the nation’s development goal by 2047. He emphasized that a secure and powerful India is imperative for realizing this dream. He further mentioned recent strides in private defense production, academic research, and support for MSMEs and startups. He talked about the government’s allocation of Rs. 86,000 crore for private defense research and manufacturing, alongside the target of USD 5 billion in defense exports by 2025. There has been significant growth in defense startups, with their number increasing to 13,500 in 2023 from 830 in 2016. Brigadier Patnaik also pointed out the remarkable increase in funding for prototype production and research collaboration with university institutions, which has exceeded 500% in the last eight years.
The seminar comprised of insightful presentations by various eminent participants. Brigadier K.K. Nayak, former Deputy Director General of Army Head Quarters & Scientist F delivered a presentation on ‘Defence Indigenization and Procurement’. Mr. Om Prakash, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IG Drones shared his presentation on ‘Defence manufacturing: Journey of IG Drones’. Mr. Deepak Singh, Senior Consultant (Investment Promotion) at Industrial Promotion& Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd. (IPICOL) gave his insights on ‘Defence and Aerospace Policy of Odisha’. Budding entrepreneur Mr. Satyabrata Satpathy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Co-Founder, and Director of BONV Technology Pvt. Ltd. shared his journey of being an entrepreneur in the defence sector.
All the presentations and talks were followed by interactive Q&A sessions where the audience discussed their queries with the expert speakers.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ushasi Rath, Chairperson of the Women Wing, OCF.
