CII, NSTL meeting showcases business opportunities for MSMEs

CII Visakhapatnam in collaboration with NSTL organised seminar on "Business Opportunities with NSTL: Enabling Indigenous Solutions for MSMEs here on Wednesday.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Abraham Varughese, Outstanding Scientist & Director, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) underscored that defense manufacturing is one of the priority sectors under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.

He said the initiative aims to make the nation self-reliant, reduce imports, and enhance exports.

The Director stressed that both large industries and MSMEs have a critical role to play in the indigenization and export-oriented development of advanced marine systems and defense technologies.

Addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs, he identified key concerns such as access to bank credit, the need for strategic financial planning, procurement of raw materials, logistics, and the rapid adoption of technology.

He urged MSMEs to embrace modern technologies to remain competitive in global markets, noting that today’s competitive edge can quickly be lost without innovation and agility.

Dr. G.K. Sahu, Technology Director, NSTL, highlighted the lab’s continued success in partnering with Indian industries to develop and produce advanced underwater weapon systems and naval platforms, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities.

Key technologies including torpedoes, decoys, stealth systems, and battery technologies have been successfully transferred to industries, which are now manufacturing and supplying these to the Indian Navy and friendly foreign nations.

Dr. Sahu reiterated that to further support industry, NSTL has opened its world-class hydrodynamic and environmental testing facilities for industries, enabling faster and more reliable product development.

As part of the Make in India initiative, DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) is providing critical funding to MSMEs and startups to develop key defence technologies, fostering innovation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Convenor, MSME Panel, CII Visakhapatnam Satyandra Vadavalli lauded NSTL’s significant role in advancing indigenous naval technologies. He highlighted the importance of industry–R&D collaboration in achieving the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, noting India’s transformation into a globally engaged, self-reliant nation.