The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has inaugurated the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE). This new centre aims to spearhead interdisciplinary research in defence technologies, marking a pivotal moment in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence.

The inauguration event of the DIA CoE witnessed the active participation of research coordinators from IIT Kanpur, senior scientists from DRDO, and esteemed faculty members.

Sanjay Tandon, the former director of the Institute of Technology Management (ITM) at Mussoorie, has been appointed as the director of the Centre of Excellence at IIT Kanpur.

Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among academia, industry, and DRDO in advancing defence technology for self-reliance. He stated, "The DIA CoE initiative perfectly aligns with DRDO's strategy, fostering collaboration for technology development. Advancing defence technology is essential for achieving true self-reliance as Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO, highlighted the immense potential of the centre in indigenizing strategic technologies for long-term defence needs. He emphasized its role in accelerating the development of futuristic defence systems.

N Ranjana, Director of the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) at DRDO, underscored the importance of long-term research investments in defence technology. She emphasized that such investments lay the foundation for future security and critical technological advancements necessary for national defence. Ranjana added that this initiative would expedite the development of futuristic defence materials, thereby reducing the typical 10-15 year timeline.

The inauguration of the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of technological excellence in defence. With collaborative efforts and strategic investments, the centre aims to drive innovation and strengthen India's position as a global leader in defence technologies.