Kerala–Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ), a pioneering initiative under Kerala IT (jointly undertaken by KSUM and Technopark) was launched on 29th November 2024 with MoU exchanges. It is aimed to synergise various stakeholders who would enable and support the innovations and potential disruptive ideas from the state-grown smaller enterprises (startups/SMEs/innovators) for our armed forces. This ecosystem at the state level will give them opportunities to address challenges that affect national security, make our country Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant), and offer collaboration prospects for them with the industry.
K-DIZ will be integral to the Centre of Excellence (CoE), focusing on Defence and Aerospace that is being planned under the Emerging Technology Hub of KSUM at Technopark Phase IV (Technocity).
K-DIZ will function under this CoE to develop market-making opportunities for startups/SMEs/Innovators, by building a connection with all stakeholders, to evolve a common picture for defence innovations. It will serve as an eco-system provider, where startups and innovators (potential defence and aerospace entrepreneurs) from Kerala can get information, develop connections, explore market opportunities, and collaborate with our Armed Forces (to understand their user perspective and challenges), iDEX/TDF (initiatives under MoD for innovation/indigenisation in defence and aerospace domain), DPSUs, KSPACE (Space Park), ISRO, Industries (within Defence/Industry/ IT Parks, KELTRON, MSMEs, etc.), Academia and Technology Business Incubators affiliated to these institutes and investors.