DefConnect 4.0 is an event organized by *Innovations for Defence Excellence* (iDEX), under the *Defence Innovation Organisation* (DIO), part of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India. It is designed to promote indigenous innovation in the defence sector by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, including the armed forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), start-ups, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, investors, and policymakers.

DefConnect 4.0 is an event organized by *Innovations for Defence Excellence* (iDEX), under the *Defence Innovation Organisation* (DIO), part of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India. It is designed to promote indigenous innovation in the defence sector by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, including the armed forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), start-ups, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, investors, and policymakers.

The event is a platform where defence innovators can showcase cutting-edge technologies and ground-breaking products, fostering collaboration and dialogue among these key stakeholders. DefConnect also highlights the government's initiatives to drive innovation in defence, focusing on themes like recent budget announcements and developments in sectors such as semiconductors. This is part of India's broader effort to build a self-reliant defence ecosystem, in line with its *Atmanirbhar Bharat* (Self-Reliant India) vision【7†source】【8†source】.

Launched in 2018, iDEX has been instrumental in supporting over 450 start-ups and MSMEs working on defence-related projects. This initiative helps realize India's long-term goal of becoming a leading defence innovator by 2047【8†source】.