Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited, one of India’s leading players in space and defence segment, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) to collaboratively develop indigenous commercial-grade MRI magnet systems in India. This collaboration aims to combine IUAC’s scientific and cryogenic expertise with the engineering, precision manufacturing and system integration capabilities of Paras Defence to build superconducting MRI magnet systems within the country. The initiative is an important step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance pertaining to MRI magnet technology, therefore, reducing the nation’s earlier depedence on imports. By indigenising this core technology, the partnership also supports India’s long-term goal of making high-quality diagnostics more affordable and accessible.

IUAC, an autonomous institute under the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, is a premier national research centre engaged in advanced particle accelerator and cryogenic technology development.

Munjal Shah, Managing Director, Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd., said: “Our partnership with IUAC represents a significant step in strengthening India’s deep-tech capability in superconducting MRI magnet systems. Paras places great importance on industry and academia collaboration, and this agreement builds on our practice of working closely with research institutions to translate frontier science into deployable technologies. As the country places greater emphasis on developing indigenous, next-generation technologies, collaboration between industry and research institutions has become essential. By bringing together IUAC’s scientific expertise with our precision engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities, we aim to enable the development of reliable, homegrown solutions in a domain that has long relied on imports. Most importantly, this creates a pathway to domestically produced MRI systems that can lower acquisition costs and expand access to advanced imaging for hospitals and diagnostic centres across India. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to advancing technological self-reliance and contributing meaningfully to India’s long-term deep-tech vision.”

In April 2025, Paras Defence announced its participation in developing the core magnet systems for India’s first indigenous MRI machines. The superconducting magnet is the central technology element in an MRI system because it defines imaging performance, operational stability and clinical reliability. Establishing this capability within the country is vital for reducing India’s dependence on imported MRI systems and for positioning India as a potential exporter of advanced medical equipment by leveraging strengths in precision engineering and cost-efficient manufacturing. Developing indigenous MRI magnet systems will significantly enhance India’s self-reliance in high-end healthcare technology, improve long-term affordability and support the broader national effort to expand access to high-quality diagnostics. This aligns strongly with India’s healthcare priorities, where improving diagnostic access, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, has become essential to strengthening public health outcomes.

There is a growing emphasis from the government, scientific community and industry on strengthening India’s capabilities in deep tech. Technologies such as advanced materials, cryogenics, precision engineering and next-generation medical systems are increasingly central to the country’s future healthcare, communication and national security infrastructure. Building strong indigenous capacity in these areas is important for long-term strategic and economic objectives and is closely aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. In this environment, partnerships that combine scientific research with engineering, manufacturing and commercial deployment have become essential for accelerating the development of frontier technologies.

Paras Defence continues to expand its presence across strategic and advanced technology domains, reinforcing its position as a leading player contributing to India’s technological and industrial growth.