GRSE Launches GAINS 2026 to Accelerate Indigenous Defence Innovation

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has launched the fourth edition of its flagship innovation initiative, GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS) 2026, aimed at accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in Indian shipbuilding.

Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, launched GAINS 2026 on Saturday in the presence of senior GRSE officials and a large number of startups participating physically and through hybrid mode.

Launched in 2023, GAINS is GRSE’s national open innovation challenge designed to tap the capabilities of India’s startup, MSME and academic ecosystem to address emerging challenges in ship design, construction and shipyard operations.

Startup participation rises

The initiative has gained momentum over its successive editions. Participation increased from 66 proposals in 2024 to more than 100 proposals from Indian innovators in 2025, underlining the growing interest of startups, MSMEs and academic institutions in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The previous editions have also produced a number of technology innovators. The winners of GAINS 2023 were Bodkin Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Smart Machine & Structures. GAINS 2024 recognised IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation & Development Foundation and Cloudmetica Technologies as winners, while Widedrop Technologies and Cloudmetica Technologies emerged winners in GAINS 2025.

Over the years, GAINS has explored technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to renewable energy, energy efficiency and technology-enabled shipbuilding processes.

GAINS 2026 targets emerging technologies

The fourth edition seeks to deepen this engagement by encouraging startups, MSMEs, academia and individual innovators to develop fast-track solutions for emerging requirements of the shipbuilding sector.

The key focus areas of GAINS 2026 include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Renewable and green energy
• Energy efficiency
• Automation
• Overall efficiency enhancement

The initiative is intended to provide GRSE with access to new technological approaches while creating opportunities for Indian innovators to work on real-world challenges faced by a major defence shipyard.

Secretary Defence Production backs open innovation approach

Speaking at the launch, Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, appreciated GRSE’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of AI and emerging technologies across its functions.

He particularly highlighted the open nature of the GAINS model, noting that it enables GRSE to engage not only with young startups but also with established technology institutions, including the IITs.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, said the shipyard was proud that its initiative to leverage India’s startup ecosystem had developed into a successful platform and expressed confidence that the fourth edition would be equally rewarding.

Navratna status adds strategic significance

The launch of GAINS 2026 assumes added significance following GRSE’s Navratna status on June 19, 2026.

The enhanced status gives the defence PSU greater operational and financial flexibility to pursue strategic investments, strengthen advanced capabilities and deepen engagement with India’s wider industrial and innovation ecosystem.

For GRSE, GAINS therefore represents more than a conventional innovation contest. It is increasingly becoming a mechanism to connect the capabilities of India’s emerging technology companies with the complex requirements of modern defence shipbuilding.

The initiative also fits into the broader national objective of strengthening indigenous defence technology, self-reliance and greater participation of startups and MSMEs in defence production.

Details of GAINS 2026 and participation guidelines are available on GRSE’s official website.