Kerala’s entry into the country’s defence innovation sector is showing rapid progress, less than a year after the launch of the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ).
Designed as a collaborative platform for startups, academia, industry, and defence stakeholders, K-DIZ is now moving into an advanced stage with funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and stronger connections that aim to place Kerala firmly in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission for self-reliant defence manufacturing.
The initiative is jointly led by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Technopark, functioning under the proposed Centre of Excellence for Defence and Aerospace at Technopark Phase IV in Thiruvananthapuram. Its focus is to bridge the gap between innovators and the armed forces by turning operational requirements into deployable solutions.
“With a strong digital infrastructure, a thriving startup ecosystem, robust R&D capabilities, institutional support, and a rich talent pool, Kerala is well-positioned to emerge as a hub for defence innovation. The Kerala Defence Innovation Zone is more than an initiative; it is a strategic movement to channel the state’s technological capabilities towards national security,” said Col Sanjeev Nair (Retd), CEO of Technopark.
He added that K-DIZ’s decentralised model will allow it to integrate with national defence innovation programmes while keeping strong engagement across the state’s technology ecosystem.
The zone connects Kerala startups directly to national-level innovation platforms such as the Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), both of which support priority defence research and development. K-DIZ also leverages Kerala’s technology hubs such as Technopark, Infopark, Cyberpark, KELTRON, MSMEs, and industrial parks while building links with Kerala Space Park and organisations like ISRO and BATL. Early contributors include EyeRov Technologies, Silverstreak Techscape, Navalt Solar and Electric Boats, and Prophaze, working in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, and clean mobility. Grassroots innovators are also gaining attention, with CET Thiruvananthapuram’s Jayesh Natarajan securing a patent for a prototype twin magazine rifle.
Nidhi Bansal, Director of TDF, highlighted that the Defence Research and Development Organisation is accelerating self-reliance in defence and aerospace. “By translating user requirements into funded development projects and fostering industry–academia–R&D collaboration, TDF reduces import dependence, builds sovereign supply chains, and advances the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision… At Huddle Global 2024, TDF signed an MoU with the Kerala Startup Mission to strengthen engagement with the state’s vibrant start-up ecosystem through the K-DIZ initiative,” she said.
G Levin, CEO of Kerala Space Park, called K-DIZ “a strategic initiative to position Kerala as a leader in defence innovation and manufacturing” and pointed to partnerships with BrahMos Aerospace, NPOL, Cochin Shipyard, Pangode Military Station, Southern Naval and Air Commands, and the Coast Guard. Infrastructure plans include the Integrated Defence Industrial Park, a second BATL unit, and new aerospace parks in Pallippuram, Valiamala, Veli, and Kochi.
On the operational front, stakeholder mapping has begun and a dedicated Technology Hub has been set up at Pangode Military Station to act as the Indian Army’s interface with K-DIZ. “Pangode Military Station stands as a proud gateway connecting Kerala’s talent and creativity with the needs of our Armed Forces… Together, they embody the spirit of innovation, self-reliance, and service,” said Brigadier Anurag Upadhyaya, Station Commander.
Statewide outreach is also in progress, with KSUM creating a dedicated K-DIZ Cell and launching sessions across academic institutions. Discussions are underway to bring the Indian Air Force and Navy into the initiative. “With the launch of the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re igniting a deep-tech revolution: providing Kerala startups a strategic springboard to tackle real-world defence and space challenges through collaboration, prototyping, and access to future technologies,” said Anoop Ambika, CEO of KSUM.
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