From concept to prototype: HD Kumaraswamy calls for stronger indigenous technology ecosystem
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday unveiled and digitally launched the Impact Report of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) Industry Accelerator Project at Navigyaan 2026, marking an important milestone in the development and advancement of indigenous technologies for India’s mobility and manufacturing sectors.
Addressing the gathering here, Kumaraswamy said the event marked the conclusion of the MHI Industry Accelerator Project and highlighted the importance of building domestic technological and manufacturing capabilities.
"The government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has placed strong emphasis on building domestic technological and manufacturing capabilities,” he said.
The Minister said that the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat requires India to move beyond being a large market for advanced technologies and develop the capacity to manufacture and export them.
“The vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat calls for an India that is not only a large market for advanced technologies, but also a country that develops, manufactures and exports those,” Kumaraswamy said.
Highlighting the scale of support extended under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector - Phase II, he said the scheme has a total financial outlay of Rs 1,207 crore and aims to support common technology development and services infrastructure. Under the scheme, 33 projects have been approved.
The MHI Industry Accelerator Programme, one of these initiatives, provided Rs 35.72 crore in Grant-in-Aid for 10 technologies, with the objective of supporting their progression from Technology Readiness Level 3 to Level 9.
Kumaraswamy noted that the technologies supported under the programme cover several areas of future mobility, including electric powertrains, high-voltage motor control and energy storage.
An important outcome, he said, has been the movement of technologies from early-stage prototypes towards commercially viable products.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration in technology development, the Minister said government, industry, research institutions, academia, startups and institutions such as ARAI each have an important role in strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
“The government can provide the policy framework and targeted support. Industry brings market understanding and manufacturing capability. Research and academic institutions contribute knowledge and technology. Startups bring new ideas and agility,” he said.
