Satheesh Reddy, the scientific adviser to Raksha Mantri, has mentioned the country is becoming self-reliant in drone technology as more than 150 industries, especially startups, are working in the sector.

He was speaking at the Defence Techconnect Atmanirbhar Bharat, a talk on the role of start-ups, MSMEs, technology and innovation, organised by KLE Institute of Technology, Hubballi, and other departments. More than 120 industries have come up with their own products, including those for agriculture, transport, shoots, and defence.

In 2016, the number of startups was 471. With a lot of encouragement by the Centre, the startups recorded with the government will touch 75,000 by 2022, he said, adding: “Defence startups are also growing in the country.”

Industries should come forward and utilise the opportunity, support mechanism and work for that. Youngsters should not go for big venture, but come up with innovations, he said.

Later, Reddy interacted with select college students and industrialists.

Meanwhile, KLE mechanical department had organised AutoExpo-2022 at its campus. More than 50 new brands of bikes and 20 cars with different technologies were shown. Students eagerly watched the exhibits.