By Commander Rahul Verma (r)
“Innovation no longer remains a choice but has become an imperative.”
-PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI-
In the heart of what some have aptly dubbed a ‘maritime century,’ we find ourselves at a nexus of change, connectivity, and opportunity. Our world is inextricably tied to the ocean, which not only facilitates global connectivity in both the physical and digital realms but also serves as a wellspring of resources. As the theatre for projecting national capabilities beyond borders, it offers a platform for strategic statecraft. In this maritime century, the question looms large: What does successful innovation look like?
In the context of naval innovation, success is measured not merely in technological leaps but in how these innovations align with the demands of a contested peace. Naval fleets now navigate the seas for more extended periods, engage in a diverse range of missions, collaborate with an array of partners, and traverse greater distances. The imperative is clear: they must simultaneously maintain readiness for combat while engaging in constabulary operations. The key to this delicate balance lies in innovation that embraces modularity, adaptability, and mission flexibility.
However, at the heart of this technological revolution is a fundamental truth: innovation is not solely about machinery; it is about nurturing the human element. The men and women who crew, plan, and support these fleets are the true engines of progress. Naval innovation, therefore, hinges on enhancing their operational mentality and approach. It is about fostering an environment where change is driven by individuals working to secure their nation’s interests.
In this realm of innovation, one organisation that stands out as a driving force behind some of the most groundbreaking and transformative innovations of our time is the Indian Navy’s ‘Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation’ and ‘Technology Development Acceleration Cell’, better known as NIIO-TDAC. Founded in 2020 in response to the new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), TDAC has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the future of defence technology, fostering innovation, and ensuring the Indian Navy remains at the forefront of military capabilities.
The annual seminar to showcase this will be held on 4–5 October. The previous edition held in July last year was very well received by the industry and set a benchmark. When thinking of the upcoming seminar ‘Swavlamban 2023,’ which is just around the corner, I was reminded of the Olympics motto,” Citius, Altitus, Fortius – Communiter”, which translates to faster, higher, stronger, together. This was, incidentally, the motto of my National Defence Academy (NDA) squadron (Oscar); hence, I have always believed raising the bar and improving is key in the defence innovation sector. There is little doubt that the 2023 edition will be the same as the motto says.
Technology induction has been accelerated ‘faster’ to an unbelievable extent by the Indian Navy’s TDAC. It is now aiming ‘higher,’ it will undoubtedly make the innovation ecosystem in the country ‘stronger,’ all this is possible as the NIIO adopted a collaborative approach (together). On a lighter note, the SPRINT is now of ‘Olympics’ Standard!
What sets this edition of ‘Swavlamban’ apart is the transition from promises to achievements. Over seventy-five products are already prototype-ready, with several more in development. The focus is not just on successes but also on recognising the effort put into innovation. This approach aligns perfectly with an organisation that values ‘willingness to fail’ as an integral part of innovation. Innovation is inherently risky, and not all endeavours bear fruit immediately, but every effort is acknowledged and rewarded.
The seminar promises to unveil numerous products, with one standout being a digital stethoscope jointly developed by the Indian Navy and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B). This low-cost device has the potential to revolutionise rural healthcare and telemedicine. TDAC’s emphasis on student challenges and open competitions has not only fostered defence innovation but has also spilt over into the commercial sector, igniting a culture of rapid prototyping and iteration. TDAC’s partner institution, RV College of Engineering and SPRINT winner XD Defence, is creating the world’s first Deep Sea Lab.
As interest from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC) continues to grow, this edition of ‘Swavlamban’ is poised to showcase a slew of ‘Global Firsts.’ These groundbreaking technologies, some of which will be demonstrated live, exemplify the innovative prowess of TDAC. These are not just steps toward indigenisation but giant leaps into uncharted territories.
While, in theory, any patented product can claim to be a global first, Swavlamban operates on a different plane of innovation. Here, true game-changers emerge—technologies so unique that no global equivalent exists. Consider this: when was the last time you witnessed an Indian company pioneering cutting-edge technology that stands unrivalled on the world stage? This transcends mere indigenisation; it is a testament to India’s trailblazing spirit. Swadeshi Systems with Fire Fighting Bot became the first to sign the procurement contract under #DISC 7 (SPRINT), and Chennai-based defence technology start-up Big Bang Boom Solutions inaugurated a Naval Research and Development Centre (NRDC).
Three notable examples come to the forefront: 3rditech, recognised in the Indo-US joint statement during the Prime Minister’s United States visit and General Atomics has signed a strategic partnership with a robust co-development plan with them; Tardid Technologies, accorded a special position by Gartner for their Digital Twins and with their platform-agnostic AI engine BrainBox they are showing global presence in all the 3 domains; and Siliconia Technologies, whose establishment of an R&D lab in San Diego signifies their global impact. These innovators, our Mavericks, are but a glimpse of the transformative potential awaiting discovery at this seminar, with countless others poised to follow suit, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
In this era of innovation, “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” is not just a motto; it is a call to action. TDAC, embodying these principles, is steering the Navy and the Nation toward a brighter, more secure future through innovation together.
Cmdr. Rahul Verma (r) is a recently retired Naval Officer who was posted as Unmanned and Aviation Subject Matter Expert at TDAC of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation. He is a Sea king Pilot, RPA Mission Commander, and an instructor with over four thousand hours of extensive flying experience. He has been a key member of the SPRINT initiative and holds a master’s degree in aerospace and law, PG Diploma in Drones and Autonomous Systems and PG in Product Management, EPBM. Cmdr. Verma was recognised as the student of the year at IIT Bombay – Washington University MBA program 2023.
