Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) has signed an MoU with Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to launch the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative. This partnership aims to foster innovation in medical technologies to address the critical healthcare challenges faced by the Armed Forces.
On July 30, 2024, in New Delhi, a significant milestone was achieved in the field of defence and medical innovation. Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to launch the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative. This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the healthcare ecosystem for the Armed Forces through cutting-edge medical technologies and innovative research.
MoU Signing and Objectives: The MoU was signed by Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO of DIO, Shri Anurag Bajpai, and Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Lt Gen Daljit Singh. This partnership aims to drive innovation and research in developing novel medical technologies tailored for the Armed Forces. The initiative will be propelled by the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) edition MIRA, targeting critical medical challenges faced by the Armed Forces.
Fostering Innovation and Research: The collaboration between iDEX-DIO and AFMS leverages the unique strengths and expertise of both organizations. By fostering cutting-edge advancements in medical technologies, the partnership aims to create a robust healthcare ecosystem that meets the current and future needs of the Armed Forces. The Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) edition MIRA will play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing innovative solutions to address these challenges.
Statements from Key Officials: Shri Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO of DIO, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering innovation in every aspect of defence and security. He stated, “Together, we will work towards creating a robust healthcare ecosystem that not only meets the current needs of the Armed Forces but also anticipates future challenges.”
Lt Gen Daljit Singh, DG of AFMS, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in providing the highest quality of medical care and inducting new cutting-edge medical technologies. He noted, “By harnessing the innovative capabilities through iDEX, we are poised to make substantial advancements in medical science and technology.”
About iDEX: iDEX, a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in the Innovation Category in 2021, has emerged as a game-changer in the defence ecosystem. Established by the DIO under the Department of Defence Production, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC). Recently, it unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
In a brief period, iDEX has successfully fostered a burgeoning community of over 400 start-ups and MSMEs within the defence sector. To date, procurement of 37 items worth over Rs 2,000 crore has been cleared. iDEX has facilitated the creation of numerous job opportunities and played a pivotal role in the development of the defence ecosystem.
The collaboration between iDEX-DIO and AFMS to launch the MIRA initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing medical innovation and research for the Armed Forces. This partnership underscores the commitment to creating a robust healthcare ecosystem capable of addressing current and future challenges. Through the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) edition MIRA, the collaboration aims to foster cutting-edge advancements in medical technologies, ensuring the highest quality of medical care for the Armed Forces.
