Pramesh S Jain & Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
T
he Second Regional Technology Node (RTN-B) of Army Design Bureau(ADB) has been established at ASC Centre &College,Bengaluru and was inaugurated by the Chief Guest,Dr K Sudhakar, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education Govt of Karnataka in Bengaluru today 14 Nov 22 in the presence of Lieutenant General BS Raju,UYSM,AVSM,YSM,Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) and other dignitaries from Indian Army, industry representatives and academia.
On behalf of Army Design Bureau (ADB) and Head Quarters Army Training Command(HQ ARTRAC), the RTN-B will leverage location advantage of ASC Centre and College Bengaluru to interface with trade,industry and academia of Bengaluru with specific focus on IT,for infusion of technology in Indian Army.
The Indian Army’s Make in India initiative is spearheaded by Army Design Bureau (ADB) which is responsible to identify technologies for acquisition and development,facilitate R&D efforts with an aim to promote indigenisation.
In order to further enhance the reach of Army Design Bureau, first Regional Technology Node (RTN-P) was set up at Pune to act as interface with industry at Maharashtra.
VCOAS in his Key Note Address called the collaborative efforts of Army,Academia,Industry, Angel Investors &State Government a momentous occasion.
He brought out that Indian Army is poised for major modernisation in the coming decades and that there is substantial scope for Indian Industry to harness the market to develop indigenous capability especially in high technology areas.
Emphasising the importance of self-reliance in defence sector,he brought out that meeting the defence requirement of Army is a strategic necessity.
Calling PM’s Initiative like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” a game changer, VCOAS said that the initiative has given a major impetus in defence procurement.
He informed that Army Design Bureau which was established in Delhi to engage with industry and academia for development of niche technology for army is bearing fruits and the establishment of the Regional Technology Nodes will further increase its reach.
He stated that it is a correct step in right direction for ushering technology infusion in Indian Army and congratulated the Commandant ASC Centre & College and his team for establishment of RTN-B at ASC Centre and College,Bengaluru.
VCOAS expressed his admiration for the start-up eco system of Bengaluru and its prowess in IT & Innovation and exalted the nascent RTN-B to fast pace technology infusion in the Indian Army.
He conveyed good wishes to the node for achieving the objective of technology integration in consultation with industry and academia.
In his special address,Minister Dr K Sudhakar brought out that Karnataka is the first State in the country to host Global Investors Meet (GIM) on a very large scale post COVID-19.
Minister said that the GIM is testimony of the intent of the government of Karnataka.He informed that GIM resulted in the signing of MoUs involving Rs.9.8 lakh crore (over $100 billion).
He also informed that Karnataka is regarded as pioneer in Aerospace and Defence sector and due to the initiatives of the Chief Minister and the policies of the Karnataka Government,the state has emerged as preferred destination in this sector.
He brought out that proactive stance of Karnataka Government is attracting large scale investments in the State which is emerging as the new Global Investment destination & Bengaluru as one of the largest technology & innovation cluster in the world.
He also brought out that the State is emerging as a key manufacturing hub.The minister emphasised a need to facilitate industry & start-ups by fast tracking permissions & clearance which will enhance ease of doing business thereby creating employment opportunity for the youth.
He lauded the efforts put in by the ASC Centre and College in exploiting the technological prowess of Bengaluru for assimilating the same in Indian Army and complimented the Commandant for establishment of the Regional Technology Node at Bengaluru.
He welcomed the establishment of RTN-B and said that it is a phenomenal opportunity for Industry, Academia,Venture capitalist, and Start-ups for developing cutting edge technology for defence purpose and assured the gathering of full support & guidance from the state administration for the initiative.
The event commenced with lighting of traditional lamp by the Chief Guest and VCOAS followed by welcome address by Maj Gen,Sandeep Mahajan, VSM, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of ASC Centre and College.
After welcoming the dignitaries brief journey of Army Technology Hub since its inception to its present re-designation as RTN-B was covered.
The event also saw release of RTN-B booklet and Banner in the first half of the seminar.The second session involved interaction with the Industry Experts,Academia, Angel Investors &Start-up Ventures which resulted in a healthy discussion & idea sharing.
The event culminated with a Question and answer session and a number of positive takeaways.
