The “Shipbuilders@Atmanirbharta in Naval and Materials Technologies Conclave” is set to be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune. The event will bring together distinguished leaders from the Indian Armed Forces, defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, academia, and start-ups to deliberate on India’s growing journey toward self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in the defence and naval sectors.
The conclave will commence with a Welcome Note by Col Sachin Randale, who will introduce the concept of the Defence Technology (DefTech) ecosystem and extend gratitude to the VVIPs, Symbiosis University, and the sponsors. This will be followed by a Keynote Address by Maj Gen Viney Handa (Retd).
Dr Medha V Kulkarni will deliver the first address of the day, setting the tone for discussions focused on innovation, collaboration, and industrial empowerment. The opening Panel Discussion (will focus on “Challenges and Opportunities in Defence Equipment Manufacturing”, featuring eminent panelists including Cmde Mukesh Bhargav (former L&T), Capt IN Ishan (Uluka Systems Defence & Marine Karve), Wg Cdr Anil Hoshangabade (Ex-IAF), and Col Chandrasekar Inggawle (Cady Renewtech).
The second Panel Discussion titled “Guiding and Supporting Defence Equipment Manufacturers/MSMEs in Atmanirbharta and Indigenization – Shipbuilders (A)”, will feature leading shipyards such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (Mumbai), Goa Shipyard Ltd (Goa), and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (Kolkata). The third Panel Discussion will continue with Shipbuilders (B), featuring Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (Visakhapatnam), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (Kochi), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Chennai—all sharing insights on collaboration with MSMEs and private players in defence indigenization.
Representatives from the Defence Forces and DRDO will address the session on “Atmanirbharta and Startup Guidelines”, featuring experts from DRDO, the Indian Army, Indian Navy (Director Indigenization, Naval Dockyard Mumbai), and Indian Air Force. This will be followed by an international perspective at 1:15 PM, where representatives from Australia Trade and Investment will discuss bilateral collaborations in shipbuilding, mining, and defence manufacturing.
The final session will spotlight “The Role of Academia in the Defence Ecosystem – Viksit Bharat Dream”, featuring speakers from IIT Mumbai and Symbiosis Skills and Professional University. This event aims to strengthen India’s vision of a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence manufacturing ecosystem, bringing together the industry, academia, and government under one platform to chart the course for a Viksit Bharat through innovation, partnership, and indigenous excellence.
