Kolkata, July 10 (Reporter) India is establishing itself as a world-class defence industry and reaching new heights of self-reliance, stated Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth here on Wednesday. Launching the second edition of GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS), Seth said, "This special day not only marks the innovative efforts made by GRSE in the development and security of our Nation’s Maritime strength but also celebrates the launch of the second edition of GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme." This initiative taken by GRSE under Make In India & Startup India is truly commendable." Praising GRSE’s efforts towards technological advancement and said, "This initiative taken by GRSE under Make In India & Startup India is truly commendable. As Indians, we are proud that India is establishing itself as a world-class defence industry and reaching new heights of self-reliance." ‘GAINS’ is a unique national open challenge to encourage and enable MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions that GRSE may incorporate for further technological advancement. This initiative is in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India. The aim is to leverage the vast eco-system of MSMEs and Start-Ups to address present and emerging challenges in the ship design and construction industry, while achieving the objectives of Atmanirbharta. In 2023, the open challenge attracted participation from across the country. Of the proposals received after Stage-I, six were selected for detailed evaluation in Stage-II. The six innovators who made it to this stage were paid up to Rs 5 lakh to meet their expenses in preparing detailed project reports. These reports and presentations by the participants went through further evaluation and finally, two companies were declared winners. While one of them, an MSME, is working on AI-based Material Code Generation and Management Systems, the second, a Start-Up, is developing robots for exterior painting of ships. They have been assured adequate funds by GRSE to create workable models. This success was the reason behind GRSE’s decision to go in for GAINS-2024. The number of contestants is expected to go up this year. As in GAINS-2023, the participants of GAINS-2024 will have to concentrate on the themes – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Renewable/Green Energy & Energy Efficiency as well as Overall Efficiency Enhancement. GAINS is aimed towards the creation of fast-track innovative solutions to help GRSE turn into a future-ready shipyard. Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, said, “New Technology adoption is a key focus area of the shipyard and I am confident that GAINS 2024 shall be a major contributor towards this. I wish the brilliant Indian start-ups the very best in making the Nation building initiatives a huge success...////...