Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, has launched the fourth edition of its flagship innovation initiative, GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS) 2026.
Launched on August 22, 2026, the initiative aims to encourage start-ups, MSMEs, academia and innovators to develop technology-driven solutions for emerging challenges in the shipbuilding sector.
GAINS 2026 Focuses on Technology-Driven Shipbuilding Solutions
Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was the Chief Guest at the launch. Senior GRSE officials and a large number of start-ups also participated in the event physically and through hybrid mode.
GAINS was launched in 2023 as a national open innovation challenge designed to leverage India’s growing start-up, MSME and academic ecosystem to address present and emerging challenges in ship design and construction.
The fourth edition will focus on developing fast-track and innovative solutions in key areas, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Renewable and green energy
- Energy efficiency
- Automation
- Overall efficiency enhancement
- Technology-enabled shipbuilding processes
GAINS Grows as National Innovation Platform
Over the past three editions, GAINS has developed into a platform connecting established shipbuilding expertise with emerging technology capabilities from across India.
Participation in the initiative has also increased significantly. The number of proposals grew from 66 in 2024 to more than 100 proposals in 2025, reflecting increasing interest among India’s start-up, MSME and innovation ecosystem.
Through the initiative, GRSE has been able to identify and recognise promising innovators working on solutions relevant to the shipbuilding industry.
GAINS Winners Across Previous Editions
The previous three editions of GAINS have recognised innovators from different segments of India’s technology ecosystem.
GAINS 2023
The winners of the inaugural edition were:
- Bodkin Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
- Smart Machine & Structures
GAINS 2024
The second edition recognised:
- IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation & Development Foundation (MSME)
- Cloudmetica Technologies (Start-up)
GAINS 2025
The third edition saw the following winners:
- Widedrop Technologies
- Cloudmetica Technologies
GRSE Explores AI, Robotics and Green Technologies
Over successive editions, GAINS has explored emerging technologies and solutions across several areas. These include artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable and green energy, energy efficiency and technology-enabled improvements in shipbuilding processes.
The initiative allows GRSE to engage with innovators and explore new technologies and approaches that can strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities and improve processes.
GAINS 2026 to Strengthen India’s Innovation Ecosystem
The fourth edition aims to further strengthen GRSE’s engagement with start-ups, MSMEs, academia and innovators.
The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s emphasis on indigenous defence technologies and greater participation of start-ups and MSMEs.
Through GAINS 2026, GRSE seeks to contribute towards building a:
- Technologically advanced shipbuilding industry
- Self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem
- Globally competitive Indian shipbuilding sector
- Future-ready shipyard
Details of the GAINS 2026 challenge and participation are available on the GRSE website.
Defence Production Secretary Praises GRSE’s GAINS Initiative
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, appreciated GRSE’s efforts to accelerate technology adoption across its functions.
He noted GRSE’s efforts to leverage AI and the latest technologies through the GAINS initiative. He also appreciated the scheme’s open approach towards engaging both young start-ups and established technology institutions, including IITs.
Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, said the shipyard was proud of the success of its initiative to leverage the capabilities of India’s start-up ecosystem and expressed confidence that the fourth edition of GAINS would be equally rewarding.
GRSE’s Navratna Status Marks Major Milestone
The launch of GAINS 2026 comes shortly after GRSE was accorded Navratna status on June 19, 2026.
The enhanced status marks an important milestone in the shipyard’s growth and reflects its sustained performance, capabilities and contribution to India’s defence sector.
The Navratna status is expected to provide GRSE with greater opportunities to pursue strategic investments, develop advanced capabilities and strengthen engagement with India’s industrial and innovation ecosystem.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Kolkata, GRSE is primarily engaged in the design and construction of warships for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The shipyard has played an important role in strengthening India’s indigenous warship-building capabilities.
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