NEWS – DRDO Partners with Bengaluru Firm for Indigenous NavIC Chip Development

HIGHLIGHTS

• Objective: Develop a receiver chip to acquire and disseminate Indian time for Navigation using the Indian Constellation (NavIC) developed by ISRO.
• Dependency: Current navigation services largely rely on the US GPS system.
• Initiative: Commissioned Bengaluru-based Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd (ASSPL) to develop a customised timing system for NavIC.

IRNSS Satellites and NavIC

• Function: Provide directional mapping support for land, rail, and air-based users.
• Current Status: NavIC aims to make navigation easier, with IRNSS satellites developed by ISRO.

Development of Indian-made Receiver

• Historical Context: Post-Kargil war, India’s request to use US GPS technology was denied, highlighting the need for indigenous solutions.
• Project Duration: A 24-month project that started on July 1.
• Impact: Will significantly aid the defence sector by shifting to Indian-based receivers for complete control.

DRDO Collaborations

• Technology Development Fund Scheme: DRDO has partnered with seven private firms, including MSMEs and startups in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Other DRDO Projects

• Craftlogic Labs Private Limited (Bengaluru): Develop a mechanism to detect icing conditions in-flight.
• Oxygen-2 Innovation Private Limited (Noida): Develop an Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit.
• Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd (Pune): Develop an Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
• IROV Technologies Pvt Limited (Kochi): Develop Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection and Neutralisation.
• Data Pattern (India) Limited (Chennai): Develop a Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator.
• Alohatech Private Limited (Coimbatore): Develop Graphene-Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications.