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DRDO, IIT Ropar Forge Pact to Boost Defence Tech & Human Performance

The Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), DRDO, and IIT Ropar have signed an MoU to promote collaborative research and technological innovation. The partnership aims to drive advancements in areas critical to defence, such as human performance augmentation and high-altitude sustenance. This agreement follows closely on the heels of the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group meeting held at DRDO HQ, which sought to advance bilateral defence science cooperation. The recent US meeting concluded with a signed project agreement, highlighting a parallel push for international collaboration in critical technologies.

Key Points: DRDO & IIT Ropar Sign MoU for Collaborative Defence Research

  • MoU for collaborative R&D
  • Focus on human performance & high-altitude tech
  • Strengthens academia-defence ties
  • Follows recent Indo-US defence tech talks
2 min read

DIPAS, DRDO and IIT Ropar sign MoU to boost collaborative Research and Technological Innovation

DRDO's DIPAS and IIT Ropar sign an MoU to drive innovation in human performance, high-altitude tech, and energy management.

"drive innovation for human performance augmentation, high-altitude sustenance, smart energy and efficient waste management - DRDO"

New Delhi, February 13

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar to promote collaborative research, academic exchange and strengthen technological innovation by leveraging each other's research expertise.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between DIPAS , DRDO and IIT Ropar for collaborative research, academic exchange and strengthening technological innovation utilising each other's research expertise, according to DRDO

This collaboration is poised to drive innovation for human performance augmentation, high-altitude sustenance, smart energy and efficient waste management, according to DRDO, he added.

Earlier on February 5, India and the United States held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary, held at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi, to advance cooperation in Defence Science & Technologies, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

According to the press release, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted the 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting in New Delhi on February 3-4. The meeting was co-chaired by Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO Dr Chandrika Kaushik and Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering Mr Michael Francis Dodd.

As per the statement, the plenary was conducted in line with the vision and policy guidance of the framework for the India-US Major Defence Partnership signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in October 2025. The delegations reviewed the ongoing cooperation in defence science & technology, discussed associated challenges, and examined proposals to further strengthen collaboration in critical & emerging defence technologies to meet the evolving requirements.

The statement further noted that the discussions also focused on enhancing the participation of university-affiliated research centres, defence laboratories, and industries in cooperative research & development initiatives. Additionally, the meeting explored potential collaboration between the DRDO and the Defence Innovation Unit under the Innovation Bridge framework & concluded with the signing of a project agreement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone following tech innovation, the focus on smart energy and waste management is very promising. Hope this leads to practical solutions that can be deployed in remote border areas.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but I hope the outcomes are tangible and not just another MoU for the press release. We've seen many such agreements in the past with slow results. The focus should be on fast-tracking innovation for our armed forces.
P
Priya S
Human performance augmentation sounds like something from a sci-fi movie! Excited to see Indian research in this area. IIT Ropar has a great reputation. All the best to the teams involved.
R
Rohit P
The Indo-US meeting mentioned is equally important. Strategic partnerships in critical tech are key for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We must learn, collaborate, but ultimately build our own capabilities.
M
Michael C
Including university research centers is a smart move. It bridges the gap between academic theory and practical defence application. Hope students get great opportunities from this.

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