Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was the Chief Guest at the launch. Also present were Senior Officers of GRSE, in addition to a large number of startups participating in the launch physically/ in hybrid mode.

Launched in 2023, GAINS is a National open innovation challenge conceptualised by GRSE to leverage the growing capabilities of India’s start-up, MSME and academic ecosystem to address present and emerging challenges in ship design and construction. Over the last three editions, the initiative has evolved into a sustained platform for collaboration between established shipbuilding expertise and emerging technology capabilities from across the country, with participation growing from 66 proposals in 2024 to over 100 proposals from Indian innovators in 2025, reflecting the increasing engagement of the country’s start-up, MSME and innovation ecosystem.

The initiative has also resulted in the identification and recognition of promising innovators across its three editions. The winners of GAINS 2023, the inaugural edition, were M/s Bodkin Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Smart Machine & Structures. The second edition, GAINS 2024, recognised IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation & Development Foundation (MSME) and M/s Cloudmetica Technologies (Start-up) as winners. In the third edition, GAINS 2025, M/s Widedrop Technologies and M/s Cloudmetica Technologies emerged as winners.

Over the successive editions, GAINS has explored emerging technologies and solutions across areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, renewable and green energy, energy efficiency and technology-enabled enhancement of shipbuilding processes, enabling GRSE to engage with innovators and explore new approaches and technologies aimed at enhancing shipbuilding capabilities.

The fourth edition of GAINS aims to further strengthen GRSE’s engagement with the innovation ecosystem by encouraging start-ups, MSMEs, academia and innovators to develop fast-track, innovative solutions for emerging shipbuilding requirements and contribute towards building a future-ready shipyard. GAINS 2026 will focus on key areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), renewable and green energy, energy efficiency, automation and overall efficiency enhancement. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on indigenous defence technologies and greater participation of start-ups and MSMEs, contributing to a technologically advanced, self-reliant and globally competitive Indian shipbuilding industry. Details of the challenge and participation are available on the GRSE website at www.grse.in/gains/.

Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production was happy to note that GRSE has taken a lead to accelerate its pace across functions, using the advantage of AI & latest technologies through the unique scheme of GAINS. He appreciated that the GAINS model is not restrictive in its approach and uniquely engages with young vibrant startups of the country as well as the stalwarts in technology including the IITs of the nation.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, during the welcome address said, “Deeply proud that this initiative of the shipyard to leverage on potent capabilities of our startup ecosystem is a grand success and this 4th Edition of GAINS will be equally rewarding”.

The launch of GAINS 2026 comes at a significant juncture in GRSE’s journey. The shipyard was accorded Navratna status on 19 June 2026, marking an important milestone in its growth and reflecting its sustained performance, capabilities and contribution to India’s defence sector. The enhanced status further provides GRSE greater opportunities to pursue strategic investments, develop advanced capabilities and strengthen its engagement with the wider industrial and innovation ecosystem.

This was in recognition of the shipyard’s consistent financial and physical performance over the years.

GRSE’s financial performance over the last five years reflects its remarkable growth trajectory and operational excellence. The Company’s Revenue from Operations has grown from ₹1,754 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹7,002 crore in FY 2025-26, registering an increase of nearly 300%. During the same period, Profit After Tax (PAT) has risen from ₹190 crore to ₹748 crore, reflecting a growth of nearly 294%.

A firm proponent of the Government ‘s Atmanirbharta and “Make in India” visions, the shipyard also delivered eight warships during the year, including three on the same day on March 30, 2026. These include P17A advanced guided-missile frigate Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, a Survey Vessel (Large) and Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Agray.

Navratna status allows Public Sector Enterprises to make larger investments, enhancing their ability and expand operations.

The elevation to a Navratna status for GRSE comes at a time when the shipyard is in an expansion mode. It has embarked on a mission to increase capacity through both brownfield and greenfield projects.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, expressed his gratitude to the Government for being accorded this status and said, “The conferment of Navratna status is a defining moment in GRSE’s journey and a matter of immense pride for every member of the GRSE family. This recognition reflects the confidence reposed in us and acknowledges the dedication, commitment and professionalism of our employees, past and present. This elevation will further empower us to pursue strategic opportunities, enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing, strengthen our global competitiveness and contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s emergence as a leading maritime power by 2047.”

GRSE has several firsts to its name. In 1961, barely a year after being declared a Defence Public Sector Undertaking, the shipyard delivered the country’s first indigenous warship, INS Ajay, to the Navy. GRSE is also the proud builder of first ever Indian Export Warship, CGS Barracuda for Govt of Mauritius and also the first DPSU shipyard to be listed in the stock exchanges.

While GRSE has delivered over 800 marine platforms, the shipyard has also delivered the largest number of warships to the Navy, Coast Guard & friendly foreign nations. The figure stands at 118. Of these, 80 have been inducted into the Navy.

GRSE has also made strides in the field of commercial shipbuilding and has bagged export orders. It is now building 12 multi-purpose vessels for a German client, in keeping with India’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, also foraying into green and autonomous vessels. GRSE is the only shipyard with specialisation in research ships, thereby contributing significantly to maritime sovereignty.