Patna: The state is stepping up efforts to build a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem by strengthening industry-academia partnerships, promoting innovation-led skill development and creating opportunities for local enterprises in the sector.The focus emerged at a workshop organised by the industries department as part of preparations for the national-level summit, ‘Atmanirbharata in Defence Manufacturing – Promoting State Ecosystems’, scheduled to be held in Aug. The deliberations centred on showcasing Bihar’s potential in defence manufacturing, fostering collaboration between industry and academic institutions and developing a skilled workforce to support the sector.Representatives from various govt departments, academic and technical institutions, including IIM Bodh Gaya, IIT Patna and IIIT Bhagalpur, along with startup founders, investors, industry representatives and entrepreneurs, attended the workshop.Deputy Director General, department of defence production, ministry of defence, Binod Kumar outlined the Centre’s priorities in defence manufacturing and highlighted emerging opportunities for states and local industries.Through a detailed presentation, Binod highlighted business opportunities in defence production, the scope for participation by local enterprises and the evolving ecosystem being developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He said state-level ecosystems would play a vital role in expanding India’s defence production capabilities and ensuring wider participation by local industries.Director, directorate of industries, Mukul Kumar Gupta said Bihar was working to create an enabling environment for the growth of the defence and aerospace sectors. He noted that several startups in the state were already engaged in drone manufacturing and allied technologies, which could contribute to future defence requirements.Mukul said the department was preparing an Aerospace and Defence Promotion Policy to attract investments and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs. He added that the state govt was also considering additional incentives to encourage investments and manufacturing activities in the sector.During the discussions, startup founders highlighted opportunities in drones, artificial intelligence, sensor technologies and advanced manufacturing solutions for defence applications. They also stressed the need to strengthen testing, prototyping and innovation support mechanisms.Investors and industry representatives welcomed the state govt’s initiatives and cited Bihar’s talent pool, competitive costs and emerging industrial ecosystem as key advantages for attracting investments. Participants emphasised stronger collaboration among govt, industry, academia and research institutions to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem in the state.
