UP Defence Industrial Corridor: DRDO Asks MSMEs To Engage In Defence-Related R&D, Assures All Possible Support

Lucknow-based Defence Technology and Test Centre (DTTC) of DRDO hosted a conclave on 6 September 2025 at its Amausi campus, bringing together over 100 participants from MSMEs, start-ups and Laghu Udhyog Bharti to strengthen collaboration in defence research, innovation and production.

The initiative is part of efforts to further develop the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

The sessions focussed on key areas such as skill development, R&D funding, technical consultancy and technology transfer opportunities for industry.

Participants discussed how MSMEs and emerging enterprises could integrate with India’s growing defence ecosystem.

Opening the conclave, the DRDO Chairman described DTTC as a brainchild of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which is today bearing fruits for the benefit of the industries.

He outlined industry-centric policies and technologies available to smaller enterprises and emphasised that it is the opportune time for MSMEs to engage in Defence R&D.

He assured the participants that DRDO would extend all possible support to enable MSMEs to play a central role in achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat and advancing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while commending the conclave, lauded the MSME community for its contribution to the Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliant India.

He praised the proactive role of smaller industries in shaping indigenous defence capabilities.

The event drew the participation of senior DRDO officials, including Dr RV Hara Prasad, DG (Naval Systems & Materials), Dr LC Mangal, DG (Technology Management), and Dr Mayank Dwivedi, DG (Human Resources).

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