Indian Army Showcases 32 New Soldier-Led Innovations at Inno-Yoddha 2025 in Delhi

Operating in environments defined by extreme weather, rugged geography and rapidly evolving threats, the Army relies on adaptability and creativity.

The Indian Army today organised its flagship Idea & Innovation Competition and Seminar, Inno-Yoddha 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, led by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). The annual event serves as the Army’s premier platform for identifying, supporting and scaling in-house innovations developed by soldiers who understand battlefield realities better than anyone else.

A Platform Built on Soldier-Driven Ingenuity

Inno-Yoddha has evolved into a cornerstone of the Army’s modernisation efforts, encouraging personnel from all arms and services to conceptualise solutions rooted in operational experience. Soldiers serving in icy heights, dense jungles, deserts and counter-insurgency zones have consistently demonstrated a capacity to innovate under adversity, creating technologies that solve real tactical and logistical challenges.

Operating in environments defined by extreme weather, rugged geography and rapidly evolving threats, the Army relies on adaptability and creativity. Inno-Yoddha nurtures this culture by giving soldiers institutional backing, technical mentorship and pathways for prototyping and deployment.

Five-Year Achievements Highlight Innovation Momentum

Over the last five years, the Army’s Innovation ecosystem has delivered measurable results:

• 117 innovations selected for advancement

• 47 fully productised, with nine more undergoing prototype trials

• 30 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) filed

• Five technologies transferred to industry, enabling mass production

  • Exploder – FC Tech

  • Agniastra – Red Kite Digital Tech

  • Vidyut Rakshak – IS Trading Co

  • Baaz Attack Drone

  • Multi-purpose Octacopter

Two of these technologies were officially handed over to industry partners during the 05 December ceremony, highlighting the Army’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Record Submissions for Inno-Yoddha 2025–26

The 2025–26 cycle, held between November and December 2025, saw a record 89 submissions from across units, reflecting the Army’s growing innovation culture. After rigorous technical and operational evaluation, 32 innovations were shortlisted for further development and were honoured by the VCOAS.

These technologies will now:

• Undergo refinement and ruggedisation

• Be prepared for field deployment

• Receive IPR support

• Potentially be transferred to Indian industry for large-scale production

This pipeline strengthens the Army’s alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering a self-reliant defence ecosystem grounded in indigenous design and capability building.

Leadership Appreciation for Soldier Innovators

Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh interacted with innovators and praised their ability to convert field challenges into practical technological solutions. He noted that soldiers deployed on the frontlines possess unmatched insight into emerging threats, tactical gaps and operational demands—making their innovations uniquely relevant and effective.

The VCOAS also encouraged wider participation in future editions, emphasising that innovation must remain a continuous process supporting operational readiness and future-force restructuring.

Strengthening the Army’s Technological Edge

Inno-Yoddha reaffirms the Army’s resolve to remain future-ready, technologically empowered and operationally decisive. By channeling the creativity of its personnel, the Indian Army ensures that soldier-centric solutions continue to drive advancements in:

• surveillance and situational awareness

• mobility and logistics

• unmanned systems and robotics

• energy, communications and battlefield management

• training and simulation technologies

As India’s strategic landscape evolves, platforms like Inno-Yoddha ensure the Army stays ahead through indigenous, innovation-led transformation.