‘SPRINT Challenges’: Boosting Indigenous Technology in Indian Navy

Table of Contents

SPRINT Challenges- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Challenges- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled ‘SPRINT Challenges’, aimed at giving a boost to the usage of indigenous technology in Indian Navy, during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ in New Delhi.

About: In a bid to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ SPRINT project aims to induct at least 75 new indigenous technologies/products into the Indian Navy.
Organizing Authority: SPRINT Challenges is being organized by NIIO, in conjunction with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
Full Form: This collaborative project is named SPRINT {Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), NIIO and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC)}.
Mandate: SPRINT Challenges aims to engage Indian industry and academia towards achieving self-reliance in the Defence sector.
Significance: SPRINT Challenges will provide a platform for leaders from Industry, Academia, Services and Government to come together on a common platform to ideate and come up with recommendations for the Defence Sector.

It has introduced multiple provisions to boost Atmanirbharta in the defence sector.
The integrated approach of design & development of defence systems with the participation of industry & academia will revitalise the defence ecosystem.
Provision for the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for design development & production of major defence equipment.
The major announcement of 25% of budget earmarked for engagement of industry, startups & academia will provide the much-required boost for defence R&D.
These provisions will enable Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to work vigorously with industry to give a quantum jump to self-reliance in defence.
The provision of 5.3% increase in capital budget allocation for DRDO & 68% of the capital procurement budget for the domestic defence industry will further enhance the induction of the indigenous system in our armed forces.

About: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
- Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political, and economic identity.
Celebrating People of India: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey.
- People of India also hold within them the power and potential to enable the Prime Minister’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Beginning of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: The official journey of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” commenced on 12th March 2021 which starts a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of Independence.
Categorize: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is envisioned to be celebrated in five categories –
- Freedom Struggle,
- Idea @75,
- Achievements @75,
- Action @75 and
- Resolve @75