The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has partnered academia to start five laboratories for research in niche advanced technologies by young scientists under age 35.

These labs were dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bengaluru on January 2.

Teams have been selected and labs set up for research on Quantum Technology at IIT Mumbai, on Cognitive Technologies at IIT Chennai and Asymmetric Technologies - which will change the way wars are fought - at Jadhavpur University, Kolkata

The five labs will work on specific projects in the area of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Cognitive Technologies, Asymmetric Technologies and Smart Materials. Focused research in these labs will be linked to the development of weapons programmes of the DRDO.

Teams have been selected and labs set up for research on Quantum Technology at IIT Mumbai, on Cognitive Technologies at IIT Chennai and Asymmetric Technologies - which will change the way wars are fought - at Jadhavpur University, Kolkata.

Research on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Materials will be carried out at Bengaluru and Hyderabad respectively.

"DRDO has taken this important step of empowering youth for the purpose of achieving self reliance in the area of niche advanced technologies. This step lays down the foundation for research and development of futuristic technologies," a senior officer elaborated.

Research on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Materials will be carried out at Bengaluru and Hyderabad respectively

The setting up of these labs for research by young scientists in cutting edge technologies is the outcome of a directive by Prime Minister Modi in 2014.

"The Directors of these laboratories were selected independently by a committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India. To realise the goals of these laboratories, Directors are empowered with Financial and Administrative authorities at par with any director of a DRDO laboratory," the senior official said.

The move to set up DRDO Young Scientists Labs is aimed at creating intellectual capital to enable India's agenda for developing technologies for self-reliance in weaponry. The focus is rapid development and prototyping of cutting edge technologies by tapping young minds for speed and innovation.