IIT Kharagpur sets up DRDO industry academia centre of excellence for defence research
Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has recently inaugurated a new initiative aimed at enhancing indigenous defence research and innovation in India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) was officially launched on February 22, 2026, by S V Kamat, the Secretary of the Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of the DRDO.
Purpose and Goals of the DIA-CoE
The primary objective of the DIA-CoE is to create a collaborative platform that unites academia, industry, and start-ups to foster research in advanced defence technologies. This initiative is particularly focused on developing innovative solutions for defence applications, including unmanned underwater systems and other cutting-edge technologies.
Key Features of the Centre
- Collaboration: The centre aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs, facilitating partnerships that can lead to practical applications of innovative technologies.
- Translational Research: The DIA-CoE will focus on translational research, which is essential for converting theoretical research into practical, deployable technologies.
- Technological Self-Reliance: One of the key goals is to contribute to India’s self-reliance in the strategic sector, reducing dependency on foreign technologies.
- Focus on Emerging Technologies: The centre will prioritize research in areas such as autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced sensors, and future trends in defence technologies.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures including Suman Chakraborty, the Director of IIT Kharagpur, and various other dignitaries from the defence and academic sectors. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the defence industry in advancing India’s technological capabilities.
Seminar on Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Following the inauguration, a one-day seminar titled ‘Advancements in Technologies for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Future Trends’ was held. This seminar brought together researchers, scientists, and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in unmanned underwater systems and explore future research directions.
Topics Discussed
- Emerging technologies in unmanned underwater vehicles
- Autonomous systems and their applications in defence
- Advanced sensors and their role in enhancing operational capabilities
- Future trends in underwater research and development
Significance for Defence Research in India
The establishment of the DIA-CoE at IIT Kharagpur is a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence research capabilities. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the centre aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can address the unique challenges faced by the Indian defence sector.
Future Prospects
As the DIA-CoE begins its operations, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of defence technology in India. The collaborative environment will not only enhance research output but also create opportunities for start-ups and established companies to contribute to national security.
Conclusion
The launch of the DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence at IIT Kharagpur marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology. By facilitating collaboration between key stakeholders, the centre is poised to drive innovation and contribute significantly to the country’s strategic capabilities.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 2026 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly established DIA-CoE at IIT Kharagpur.
