Experts Urge Defence Startups to Move Beyond Prototypes at Hyderabad Conclave

Defence experts and military leaders urged Indian defence startups to move beyond developing prototypes and integrate into the armed forces' supply chain during the National Defence Innovation Conclave 2026, which opened on Thursday at T-Works in Hyderabad. The panel discussed the critical need for next-generation defence companies to transition from basic innovation to active military deployment.

Speaking during a session titled "The Start-up Revolution in Defence: Building India’s Strategic Advantage," Lt Gen. Neeraj Varshney highlighted that modern warfare is changing rapidly. He noted that advancements are driven by artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, additive manufacturing, and quantum technologies. According to Varshney, these emerging technologies are evolving faster than traditional procurement systems, meaning the armed forces now require practical, deployable solutions rather than mere concepts.

Capt. Bala Praveen, an iDEX winner and founder of the Hyderabad-based startup Axial Aero, shared the practical challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the sector. He stated that the primary hurdle for startups is not building the technology itself, but surviving the long journey to military procurement. Praveen explained that developing a product is only the beginning, as validation, certification, procurement, and funding take years. He stressed that defence startups require patient capital, with returns typically coming only after five to seven years.

Officials from Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also addressed the conclave. They noted that recent policy changes have successfully reduced entry barriers for startups and opened more opportunities for indigenous technologies. The officials urged startups to identify future operational requirements early instead of waiting for tenders, with the goal of helping young companies become suppliers to larger defence manufacturers.

Speakers at the conclave highlighted Telangana’s existing strengths in aerospace, electronics, advanced manufacturing, simulation, semiconductors, and deep technology. They noted that Hyderabad’s ecosystem is well positioned to contribute to India’s national defence ambitions. The experts advised startups to work closely with the armed forces from the design stage so that products are built around user requirements rather than technology alone.

Later discussions at the event focused on manufacturing, procurement, and innovation. Panelists called for quicker field trials, easier certification processes, stronger intellectual property protection, and better collaboration between academia and industry. They also advocated for greater private investment and shorter procurement timelines to help Telangana’s startups transition from demonstrations to becoming long-term suppliers of indigenous defence technologies.