EP-259 | Local to Global: How India's Desi Startups Are Powering Its Defence Rise | Dr. R Shivaraman
Description
Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is one of the youngest startups in India's defence sector, focusing on developing homegrown technology and intellectual property.
The company is working on cutting-edge defence solutions, including the Next-Generation Hybrid Personal Combat Armour, a non-lethal system to stop vessels at sea, the 360 Advanced Battle Interface (ABI), and an Anti-Drone Defense System. These innovations have already been adopted by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Ramaswamy Shivaraman, co-founder of BBBS and head of research and product development, discusses how the Indian government is supporting homegrown startups in defence and why the private sector needs more government backing in the industry.
He also speaks about the role of AI in modern warfare and its integration into defence systems. He also highlights the challenges Indian startups face in exporting defence products and underscores the importance of promoting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the sector.
*Audio Timestamps:*
00:00 - Introduction
01:14 - India’s Defence Budget Allocation
02:38 - Anti-Drone System Deal
05:50 - How Big Bang Boom Solutions Started
09:14 - Products by Big Bang Boom Solutions
10:28 - Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War
12:24 - Govt’s Approach to Defence Startups
15:45 - Private Investment in Defence
18:07 - Deals with Indian & Foreign Govts
22:59 - Challenges in Foreign Markets
25:09 - Startups vs Big Defence Companies
30:14 - AI in Defence Systems
36:14 - AI and Drone Warfare
40:22 - Non-Lethal Naval Deterrence Tech
45:01 - Advantages of Doing Business in India
54:44 - Can Foreign governments invest in BBBS?
56:11 - Meeting with PM Modi
01:00:24 - Anti-Drone System: Vajra Shield
01:03:14 - PM Promoting Desi Defence Startups Abroad
United States
