Showcasing India’s growing push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, 42 startups developing indigenous military technologies exhibited their innovations at the National Defence Innovation Conclave 2026 at T-Works in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The startups, incubated at T-Works, demonstrated technologies spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductors, autonomous systems, drones, robotics, aerospace, defence electronics, simulation, advanced manufacturing, battery systems and space technologies, highlighting the growing role of startups in India’s defence indigenisation efforts.
Visitors at the National Defence Innovation Conclave 2026 at T-Works in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
The conclave brought together over 350 attendees including senior officials from the Armed Forces, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), government, industry, venture capital firms and academia to discuss ways to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthen collaboration between innovators and defence users.
Telangana Minister for IT and Industries D. Sridhar Babu said the State aimed to build a world-class ecosystem where startups, research institutions, industry and the Armed Forces could collaborate to develop indigenous defence technologies. He said innovation-led manufacturing and deep-tech entrepreneurship would strengthen India’s strategic capabilities while positioning Telangana as a leading destination for defence technology and advanced manufacturing.
Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju said nearly 75% of India’s defence procurement budget is now being used for domestic procurement, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He said Telangana was well placed to contribute to this shift through its deep-tech innovation ecosystem, advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong industry partnerships.
Chief Secretary of Telangana Sanjay Jaju at the National Defence Innovation Conclave 2026 at T-Works in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
While the exhibition highlighted emerging defence technologies, the panel discussions focused on a broader challenge: how to translate promising innovations into deployable products for the armed forces.
Visitors at the National Defence Innovation Conclave 2026 at T-Works in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Speakers agreed that although India’s defence startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, challenges remain in funding, procurement and the adoption of indigenous technologies. T-Works CEO Joginder Tanikella said defence innovation was moving towards a more proactive model, with initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) expected to identify and support emerging technologies instead of waiting for the armed forces to define future requirements.
Arun Chaudhary of DRDO said the organisation had earmarked 10% of its research and development budget for startups. He said the move would create opportunities for companies with unique technologies to secure defence projects instead of limiting procurement to the conventional lowest-bid model.
Visitors at the National Defence Innovation Conclave 2026 at T-Works in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
The conclave also featured panel discussions on defence procurement, manufacturing, indigenisation and building India’s defence innovation ecosystem, along with startup pitch sessions that enabled direct interaction between entrepreneurs, defence users, policymakers and investors.
Published - July 08, 2026 08:33 pm IST