About iDEX

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched in 2018 by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia to promote self-reliance. 
• The underlying objective is to make the country self-reliant and self-sufficient in matters of Defence.
• Fundamentally, iDEX fosters the culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.

Implementing Agency

• Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a special purpose vehicle under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, implements the iDEX framework.
• DIO has been formed as a ‘not for profit’ company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), both Defence Public Sector Undertakings. 
• DIO acts as a bridge between the requirements of the Armed Forces and the solution providers.

Why in News?

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Department of Defence Production, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 300th contract.
• The contract relates  to the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors which is essential for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defence applications ranging from radars to EW (Electronics Warfare) jammers. 
• Currently, almost all GaN components are imported being a sensitive and cutting-edge technology whose export is controlled and restricted by many countries. The proposal aims to design, develop and manufacture GaN components for defence in India using completely indigenous GaN technology. 
• This would significantly enhance the indigenous design & development capability, paving way for immense potential in the defence sector including exports.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1981593