In collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) runs a research centre dedicated to the development of defence technologies for the safety of the nation. Previously run by DRDO, the ‘DRDO Industry Academia- Ramanujan Centre of Excellence’ (DIA-RCoE) is now being administered by IIT Madras and seeks to bring together faculty and researchers from a range of disciplines to work on research.
The Defence Innovation Agency – Robotics and Autonomous Systems (DIA-RCoE) was created to explore cutting-edge technologies for defense and safety, and will provide significant assistance to India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission in the defense sector. This research center was set up in accordance with the ‘long-term directed research policy’ of the Defense Ministry and will be involved in research in the domains of electronics and computational systems, naval systems and technologies, advanced combat vehicle technologies, high power CW laser sources and next-generation communication and networking technologies.
The experts at IITM will use their expertise to conduct basic and applied research in the mentioned field, collaborating with universities and technology centers in India. The scientists at DRDO, on the other hand, will require the research and technical skills of the academic staff and researchers to meet their targets in developing advanced technologies.
Recently, O R Nandagopan was chosen to head the DRDO industry academia-Ramanujan centre of excellence. While talking about the objectives of the research centre, he mentioned that DRDO is focusing on creating advanced technologies and systems for defence through cooperation with academia and industry. The centre will be using the expertise of faculty members and industry partners to create cutting-edge technologies and systems for the armed forces.
Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research at IIT Madras, emphasized the goals of the institution, indicating that they will work to build expertise in areas aligned with DRDO requirements in order to assist future DRDO programs. This will help to enhance skills, and create personnel with scientific and technological backgrounds, particularly at DRDO.
He proceeded to state that the centre will be working together with teachers and researchers from IIT Madras and other institutes across India to improve innovation in the areas related to DRDO. The Defence Innovation Agency-Research Centre of Excellence will strive to become a benchmark in research and development of advanced technologies for defence and security applications and will be aiming to become a global leader in these areas.
