Young entrepreneur shapes defence tech growth

Prayagraj: At a time when over 200 companies are showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies at the three-day North Tech Symposium, a young entrepreneur stood out for her leadership and vision. Twenty-two-year-old Anushka Munjal Shah, vice-president of Paras Defence Space Technologies Ltd, was seen personally engaging with visitors and explaining advanced equipment on display.A graduate in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California, Shah is currently leading work in the company’s optics, electro-optics and laser systems divisions.Speaking to TOI, she said India is at a defining point in its technological journey. “The scale of opportunity, innovation and growth is unlike anything we have seen before, and to not be part of it is to miss something extraordinary,” she said.Her company is actively developing high-power fibre laser systems with an operational range of up to 10 kilometres, with working models expected to be ready by the end of this year. These systems are part of India’s growing push towards advanced indigenous defence technologies.Shah emphasised that her long-term goal is to contribute to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and help the country emerge as a global leader in defence and space manufacturing.