The India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) was launched in June 2023 by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD). Guided by a bilateral collaboration agenda, INDUS-X aims to build an innovation bridge between the two countries’ defense sectors. It facilitates partnerships between defense companies, incubators, investors and universities in both countries.
Since its launch, INDUS-X has made progress through joint challenges, education initiatives, industry workshops and investor engagement. The DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit and India’s Innovations for Defense Excellence coordinated the first joint challenges, awarding $1.2 million to 10 companies developing maritime surveillance and undersea communications technologies. The education “Gurukul” series was announced during the 2023 U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Workshops were held for over 120 startups on navigating defense establishments, and for universities on technology transfer and emerging technologies.
Penn State University and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM Foundation), an educational non-profit, are developing workshops under INDUS-X to strengthen technology transfer from academia to start-ups. The Indian Space Association (ISpA); Indian Institute of Science (IISc); Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; and Penn State University hosted virtual workshops on building academia-industry partnerships and developing solutions for space situational awareness and the transfer of technology.
At the 2024 INDUS-X Summit, officials laid out next steps. Two new space technology challenges will be launched. Academic partnerships will be strengthened through workshops on technology transfer. The INDUSWERX consortium of industry, academia and nonprofits will explore pathways for companies to access testing facilities. Industrial partnerships such as Skydio-Aeroarc and General Atomics-114ai/Bharat Forge will reinforce defense supply chains. Advisory forums such as the Senior Leaders Forum and Senior Advisory Group will engage stakeholders on new initiatives.
Overall, INDUS-X is advancing defense innovation cooperation between the U.S. and India. Through joint challenges, capacity building, industry partnerships and stakeholder engagement, it aims to harness the innovative potential of both countries for mutual security benefits.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
