Press Release | प्रेस विज्ञप्ति
*Inauguration of DRDO Industry Academia–Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Kharagpur*
One-Day Seminar on “Advancements in Technologies for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Future Trends”
Kharagpur, 21 February 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur inaugurated the DRDO Industry Academia–Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) on 21 February 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence research and innovation ecosystem.
The Centre was inaugurated by Dr. S. V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in the presence of Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur; Shri L.C. Mangal, Director General (Technology Management), DRDO; Dr. N. Ranjana, Director, Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO; Prof. Dipak Das, Director, DIA-CoE, IIT Kharagpur; and other distinguished dignitaries from academia, industry, and defence research establishments.
The DIA-CoE has been established to leverage expertise from leading academic institutions, industries, and start-ups across the country to develop futuristic and cutting-edge technologies for defence applications. The Centre will serve as a collaborative platform to accelerate translational research, foster innovation, and contribute to India’s strategic technological self-reliance.
Following the inauguration, a one-day seminar on “Advancements in Technologies for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Future Trends” was organised under the research vertical Unmanned Underwater Robotic Sensors & Actuators of the DIA-CoE. The seminar brought together leading researchers, scientists, and industry experts to deliberate on emerging technologies, autonomous underwater systems, advanced sensors, and future research directions in the domain of unmanned underwater vehicles.
The programme underscored the critical importance of DRDO–Academia–Industry partnerships in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and building a future-ready technological ecosystem.
Quote from the Director, IIT Kharagpur: Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur, stated: “The inauguration of the DRDO Industry Academia–Centre of Excellence at IIT Kharagpur represents a transformative step towards integrating academic excellence with national strategic priorities. This Centre will not only accelerate high-impact research in emerging defence technologies but also create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and indigenous capability development aligned with India’s vision of technological sovereignty.”
With the launch of the DIA-CoE, IIT Kharagpur further reinforces its leadership in research-driven innovation and its enduring commitment to national service through science and technology.
Pratik Dama
PRO IIT KGP
