Industry Engagement
- Industry as ToT Partner
Industry can be assessed for Technology Transfer (ToT) or Technology Readiness Level (TRL) upgradation based on the recommendations of the Design Validation Committee (DVC). ToT can be executed either by DRDO or an academic institute. When DRDO takes the lead, its labs or units adopt the outcome artifacts and adapt them into a technology ready for transfer to industry for production. The process is initiated following DRDO’s established ToT policies and procedures. In this case, the ToT process is a tri-party activity, where both the institute and DRDO collaborate to transfer knowledge to the industry, with clear work share agreements. Alternatively, when an academic institution handles the ToT, it provides more flexibility for the concerned industry to absorb the technology and scale its manufacturing processes. The operational execution rests with the institute, which follows specific guidelines to ensure successful technology transfer under the DIA-CoE projects. This allows for a more adaptable approach to engaging with industry,
particularly when scaling technologies.
- Industry as Co-PI
Industry also engages as Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for technology enhancement, particularly for technologies that have not yet reached full maturity. Upon recommendation by the Design Validation Committee (DVC), industry partners help overcome the "valley of death" phase of the technology by contributing their expertise and infrastructure, complemented by the R&D strength of academic institutions and the oversight of DRDO. This collaboration is aimed at developing and maturing technologies for diverse applications. In the DIA-CoE projects, the role of industry as a Co-PI focuses on specific technology enhancement goals, such as converting technology into a marketable product, optimizing performance, enhancing reliability and quality, and developing product variants. Industry partners can also support the indigenization of materials. For projects where the technology is sufficiently mature for production with low risk, industry can be involved as Co-PI from the outset. For follow-up projects, industry’s role as Co-PI can extend to pre-production facilitation and establishing value-capture frameworks, ensuring smooth transitions from R&D to commercialization.
Industry Engagement Mechanism
- Design Validation Committee
The Design Validation Committee (DVC) plays a crucial role in ensuring technology readiness and maturity. Constituted by the Director General of Technology Management at DRDO, the DVC is tasked with reviewing key aspects of technology development, including documentation, process design, fabrication, evaluation, testing, qualification, and certification.
The committee provides recommendations for Technology Transfer (ToT) and suggests enhancement processes that need to be followed. Additionally, the DVC oversees the timelines for the ToT procedures and ensures adequate support is in place for the successful transfer. They also identify any additional projects that may be necessary for further indigenization of technologies.
One of the key responsibilities of the DVC is to recommend the number of licenses to be granted to industry stakeholders based on the commercialization potential of the technology. Furthermore, the committee outlines the division of responsibilities between DDD and the industry, ensuring clear engagement strategies to facilitate successful technology adoption and industry collaboration.
- Standing Committee
The Standing Committee (SC) plays a pivotal role in identifying and selecting suitable Industry Partners for Research & Development (R&D), as well as for the technology transfer (ToT) and commercialization of technologies. The committee evaluates the Expression of Interest (EOI) document and criteria for identifying industry partners. It reviews the responses to the EOI and recommends the most appropriate industry partners for R&D collaboration or ToT.
Additionally, the SC determines the ToT fee and royalty structure, ensuring that the terms are beneficial for all parties involved. For projects that involve upscaling the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in a second-phase initiative, the committee also identifies suitable industry representatives to support the transition. The SC continuously monitors the progress of ongoing projects, making recommendations for necessary actions to ensure the smooth execution of ToT or industrial collaboration. Furthermore, the committee outlines the specific work share between DDD scientists, Principal Investigators (PIs), and industry partners for each collaboration, ensuring clarity and alignment of roles for successful technology
commercialization.