Kolkata. Buoyed by the energy and enthusiasm generated in the first two editions of its initiative to promote development of technology in the field of shipbuilding, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, launched the third edition of GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS) in Kolkata on Friday, August 22, 2025.
‘GAINS 2025’ was launched by the Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Key dignitaries present on the occasion were Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), GRSE, Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, GRSE along with other Senior Officers of GRSE.
‘GAINS’ is a unique National open challenge to encourage and enable MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions that GRSE may incorporate for further technological advancement. This initiative is in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India. The aim is to leverage the vast eco-system of MSMEs and Start-Ups to address present and emerging challenges in the ship design and construction industry, while achieving the objectives of Aatmanirbharta.
The first edition of the Open Challenge – GAINS 2023 – received 50 proposals from innovators across India, of which Smart Machines and Structures (MSME) and Bodkin Technologies Pvt Ltd (Start-up) emerged as winners. Building on this success, the second edition – GAINS 2024 – attracted 66 proposals nationwide, with Cloudmetica Technologies (MSME) and IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (Start-up) winning for their pioneering solutions in shipbuilding and green energy technology.
In his address, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, said, “I have been informed that two editions of the GAINS Open Challenge have been launched to date, and the response from the innovator community has been overwhelming. I am given to understand that the themes of this edition of GAINS include AI, Green Tech, and Shipbuilding Efficiency Enhancement. With projects in AI, robotics, and green energy generation already being developed through the previous editions, I am sure this year’s scheme will bring in greater innovation in the declared thematic areas.”
Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, spoke on how GAINS has been a success story for the company as it strives towards becoming a world class shipyard.
“Not only GRSE, but the Indian Startup ecosystem has ‘gained’ a lot from ‘GAINS’. As far as participation in GAINS-2025, we expect to cross the century mark,” he said.
As in the past two editions, the participants of ‘GAINS 2025’ will have to focus on the themes – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Renewable/Green Energy & Energy Efficiency as well as Overall Efficiency Enhancement. ‘GAINS 2025’ is aimed towards the creation of fast-track innovative solutions to help GRSE turn into a future-ready shipyard.
All passionate innovators, entrepreneurs and visionaries can visit the GRSE website www.grse.in/gains/ for more information about the ‘GAINS 2025’ Challenge.
