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.

Under the MoU, Garuda Aerospace and Micron Instruments will focus on product distribution, joint technology development, and defence-focused projects. By integrating Micron Instruments’ expertise in custom-designed fuzes with Garuda Aerospace’s advanced drone technologies, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of next-generation indigenous defence solutions, including loitering munitions, payload-enabled UAVs, and advanced unmanned systems.

Speaking on the collaboration, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO, Garuda Aerospace, said, “We are proud to partner with Micron Instruments, a company that has consistently set benchmarks in precision engineering and defence manufacturing. This collaboration brings together the strengths of two advanced manufacturing organizations. It opens new opportunities in defence drones, loitering munitions, and next-generation unmanned systems, supporting India’s journey towards technological self-reliance.”

“Micron Instruments has spent over six decades developing critical engineering solutions for Defence, Aerospace, and Healthcare Industries. The future of defence will be driven by innovation, strong indigenous capabilities, and strategic partnerships. Our association with Garuda Aerospace reflects a shared commitment to developing advanced, homegrown solutions that strengthen India’s defence ecosystem and support the country’s vision of self-reliance,” said, Vikram Sahgal, Chairman & Managing Director CMD, Micron Instruments Pvt Ltd. 

As India’s drone ecosystem continues to expand, with the market projected to exceed ₹20,000 crore, Garuda Aerospace and Micron Instruments will leverage their combined expertise in advanced manufacturing, defence engineering, and innovation to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing indigenous technologies and strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace. With strategic collaborations spanning industry leaders such as Thales, Tata Elxsi, and now Garuda Aerospace continues to strengthen its role in India’s evolving defence and aerospace ecosystem.