Secretary (Defence Production) launches GRSE’s 4th wave of indigenous defence innovation “GAINS 2026”

Continuing its efforts to advance technology-driven shipbuilding processes, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, launched the fourth edition of its flagship innovation initiative, GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS) 2026, on August 22, 2026, in Kolkata. The initiative aims to encourage start-ups, MSMEs, academia and innovators to develop technology-driven solutions for the shipbuilding sector.

Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was the Chief Guest at the launch, along with senior officers of GRSE and a large number of startups participating physically and in hybrid mode.

Launched in 2023, GAINS is a national open innovation challenge conceptualised by GRSE to leverage the growing capabilities of India’s start-up, MSME and academic ecosystem to address present and emerging challenges in ship design and construction. Over the last three editions, the initiative has evolved into a sustained platform for collaboration between established shipbuilding expertise and emerging technology capabilities from across the country, with participation growing from 66 proposals in 2024 to over 100 proposals from Indian innovators in 2025, reflecting the increasing engagement of the country’s start-up, MSME and innovation ecosystem.

The initiative has also resulted in the identification and recognition of promising innovators across its three editions. The winners of GAINS 2023, the inaugural edition, were M/s Bodkin Technologies Pvt Ltd and M/s Smart Machine & Structures. The second edition, GAINS 2024, recognised IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation & Development Foundation (MSME) and M/s Cloudmetica Technologies (Start-up) as winners. In the third edition, GAINS 2025, M/s Widedrop Technologies and M/s Cloudmetica Technologies emerged as winners.

Over the successive editions, GAINS has explored emerging technologies and solutions across areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, renewable and green energy, energy efficiency and technology-enabled enhancement of shipbuilding processes, enabling GRSE to engage with innovators and explore new approaches and technologies aimed at enhancing shipbuilding capabilities.

The fourth edition of GAINS aims to further strengthen GRSE’s engagement with the innovation ecosystem by encouraging start-ups, MSMEs, academia and innovators to develop fast-track, innovative solutions for emerging shipbuilding requirements and contribute towards building a future-ready shipyard. GAINS 2026 will focus on key areas including Artificial Intelligence, renewable and green energy, energy efficiency, automation and overall efficiency enhancement. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on indigenous defence technologies and greater participation of start-ups and MSMEs, contributing to a technologically advanced, self-reliant and globally competitive Indian shipbuilding industry.

Sanjeev Kumar said he was happy to note that GRSE has taken a lead to accelerate its pace across functions, using the advantage of AI and latest technologies through the unique scheme of GAINS, appreciating that the GAINS model is not restrictive in its approach and uniquely engages with young vibrant startups of the country as well as the stalwarts in technology including the IITs of the nation.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, said in his welcome address that the shipyard is deeply proud that this initiative to leverage the potent capabilities of India’s startup ecosystem has been a grand success, and that the fourth edition of GAINS will be equally rewarding.

The launch of GAINS 2026 comes at a significant juncture in GRSE’s journey. The shipyard was accorded Navratna status on June 19, 2026, marking an important milestone in its growth and reflecting its sustained performance, capabilities and contribution to India’s defence sector. The enhanced status further provides GRSE greater opportunities to pursue strategic investments, develop advanced capabilities and strengthen its engagement with the wider industrial and innovation ecosystem.