North Tech Symposium 2026

Why in News?

Recently, 3 day North Tech Symposium 2026 inaugural session was addressed by the Ministry of Defence in Prayagraj, UP.

North Tech Symposium 2026

• Theme – Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge.
• Organised by – Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) & Northern & Central Commands (Indian Army).
• Participation – 284 companies (MSMEs, private defence tech firms, start‑ups, innovators in uniform) showcased indigenous solutions.
• Goal- To provide a platform for the defence forces, Industrial sectors, startups, and the academy to develop & innovate technological solutions indigenously for serious business roadblocks
• Focus area – Decision-making tools enabled by AI, Unmanned Aerial Systems & Advanced Artillery Systems.
• Instituted 8 focus - Areas to spearhead interaction with troops, industry & academia for e.g.
• Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Military Cyber Technology, Cognitive Technology, Neuromorphic Computing, Advanced Materials, Compound Semiconductors, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies.

Defence Evolution of India

• Operation Sindoor - A perfect example of a nation's readiness in the field of technological warfare by the deployment of indigenous equipment like

BrahMos,

Akash Missile System

Akashteer(Automated air defence control & reporting system).

• In FY 2025 -26, Indigenous defence Manufacturing reached a record high of Rs 1.54 Lakh crore.
• Defence Exports –During the same period, it touched an all-time high record of Rs 38,424 Crore.
• Budget allocation of- 25% in defence R&D is now allocated to Industry, academia & Startups.

Policy Initiatives

• iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) - To Provide Technological & innovation development in Aerospace & Defence by Involving startups, MSMEs & Individual Investors
• ADITI Scheme - Mastering development of Innovative technologies with iDEX.  Aims to develop strategic defence technologies.
• Technology Development Fund (TDF) - An initiative under DRDO to support domestic development of product, system, components & technologies by Startups & MSMEs.
• ToT (Transfer of Technology) Policy - DRDO has waived off the 20% fee for Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) and Production Agencies to boost domestic manufacturing

Future warfare emerging Domains

Ministry of defence has recognized several future ready domains where Industry must progress

• Direct energy weapons (DEWs)– which emits high focused energy like Lasers & Microwaves.
• Hypersonic Missiles – Capable of Flying @ speed of Mach 5 or Higher.
• Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) – Surveillance & Monitoring of undersea activities.
• Space Situational Awareness (SSa) –Monitoring objects in orbit & analyzing space environment.
• Use of AI & Quantum Technology- For securing communications & Automated decision – Making.
• Operation Sindoor & use of Akashteer system- Shows recent successful deployment of indigenous defence technology.
• Waving of- 20% fee Transfer of Technology (ToT)  & Opening of Patents - is seen as a significant move of Union Government towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

For Reference: PIB | IAS Parliament