T–Hub, the premier startup incubator in India, has introduced a substantial stimulus for the domestic defense and aerospace sector through the initiation of the SIDBI-T–Hub Funding Programme and the establishment of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with key industry stakeholders. Announced at the National Defence and Aerospace Innovation Summit (DIAS), this endeavor signifies a significant advancement in fostering a thriving hub for defense and aerospace solutions within the country.

T–Hub has sealed MoUs with influential entities such as KAVACHH, the International Institute For Space Studies & Research (IISSR), the Directorate of Defence Research & Development-Israel, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Collins Aerospace, the College of Defence Management, and the Indian School of Business. These partnerships are geared towards fostering knowledge exchange, accelerating technological advancements, and cultivating an ecosystem conducive to innovation within the defense and aerospace sectors. The newly launched SIDBI-T Hub Funding Programme aims to bridge financial gaps for emerging startups in these sectors, offering crucial support to nurture innovation and facilitate the development of state-of-the-art technologies to meet national security needs.

Shri Jayesh Ranjan (IAS), Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government said, “Telangana’s strategic focus on fostering both defense and aerospace technology reflects our commitment to progress and innovation. Through collaborative initiatives such as the Defence and Aerospace Innovation Summit, we are positioning our state as a leader in these crucial sectors. With a talented workforce and forward-thinking strategies, we are creating opportunities for growth and advancement, drawing positive attention to Telangana’s capabilities on both national and global platforms”.

Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO of T–Hub, said, “Through initiatives such as the Defence and Aerospace Innovation Summit, T–Hub empowers startups to harness their entrepreneurial spirit and develop cutting-edge solutions that tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. Within the vast expanse of the $440 billion global space market lies immense opportunity, with startups emerging as the trailblazers of innovation. At T–Hub, we envision an ecosystem where startups thrive, finding the support, mentorship, and collaboration needed to reach new heights. By bridging startups with corporates and facilitating exposure and networking, we are shaping the future of space exploration and defense solutions, all in line with the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

The summit offered a valuable platform for startups to exhibit their disruptive technologies and solutions, ranging from weaponry and unmanned aerial vehicles to satellite technologies and cybersecurity. Through interactive sessions, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities, startups engaged with industry leaders, investors, and potential collaborators, laying the foundation for future partnerships and growth. Among the participating startups were Big Bang Boom Solutions, Skyroot, Edgeforce, Meridian Data Labs, Axial Aero, Tractrix, IIC Technologies, Micronel Global Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Latentheat2Comfort, BinfordResearch Labs Private Labs, Jisnu Communications, Arka Aerospace, Zen Technologies Ltd, Dhruva Space Pvt. Ltd, and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. The summit also recognized and awarded outstanding Defence Startups/SMEs/Establishments, highlighting excellence and innovation within the industry.