Meet Priyanka Singhal: A Leading Woman in Defence Technology

Priyanka Singhal, founder of Ammunic Systems, is a trailblazer in the male-dominated defense technology sector. Her mission to develop indigenous defense technologies aligns with India's Make in India initiative, breaking barriers for women in tech and inspiring future generations through innovation, leadership and advocacy for gender equality in defense

Manit Sinha
12 Min Read
Priyanka Singhal, Founder of Ammunic Systems, pioneering indigenous defense technology and advocating for women’s representation in the defense sector

Priyanka Singhal’s journey in the defense technology sector began in her hometown of Amritsar, Punjab. Born into a business-oriented family, she was exposed to entrepreneurial principles from a young age.

Her father, a businessman, instilled in her the value of hard work, resilience and the importance of creating job opportunities for others. This upbringing laid the groundwork for her future endeavors as an innovator and leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Priyanka Singhal’s education began at Sacred Heart School, where her passion for technology blossomed. Excelling academically, she pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at a reputable institution.

During her time in university, she developed a keen interest in how technology can solve real-world problems. However, it was not until a defining moment during her college years that she would pivot towards a career in defense technology.

Priyanka Singhal: Turning Point

The pivotal moment in Priyanka Singhal’s career came when a peer challenged her to apply for an internship at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). At first hesitant, she decided to embrace the opportunity.

Her internship experience was nothing short of transformative, exposing her to cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects aimed at bolstering India’s defense capabilities.

During her time at DRDO, Priyanka Singhal worked on various projects that enhanced her technical skills and fueled her passion for defense technology.

The hands-on experience, coupled with mentorship from industry experts, helped her realize the significance of indigenous technology in strengthening national security. This realization became a turning point, reshaping her career aspirations.

Career Transition

Initially, Priyanka Singhal had planned to prepare for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examinations. However, her time at DRDO ignited a new passion for defense technology that she could not ignore. The experience convinced her to pivot from her original plan, leveraging her technical expertise and business acumen to make a substantial impact in the defense sector.

Determined to carve out a niche for herself, Priyanka began to research the defense landscape in India. She identified a significant gap in the market for indigenous defense technologies that could meet the country’s security needs while fostering self-reliance. With a clear vision in mind, she set out to establish a company that would contribute to this goal.

Priyanka Singhal: Founding Ammunic Systems

In 2019, Priyanka Singhal founded Ammunic Systems, initially named Tech Wave Solutions, with a mission aligned with the Indian government’s Make in India initiative. The company aimed to develop indigenous defense technologies that would reduce India’s dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance national security.

Under her leadership, Ammunic Systems achieved several key milestones, including the development of India’s first fully indigenous electronic fusing system for underwater munitions.

This groundbreaking achievement not only showcased Priyanka’s technical capabilities but also positioned her company as a leader in the defense tech industry.

Priyanka Singhal: Key Achievements

  • Development of Indigenous Technologies: Ammunic Systems focused on creating solutions tailored to India’s defense needs, paving the way for self-sufficiency in critical technology areas.
  • Recognition and Awards: The company received accolades for its innovative approaches and contributions to national security, solidifying Priyanka’s reputation as a pioneering entrepreneur in defense technology.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Ammunic Systems collaborated with various defense agencies and organizations to enhance its product offerings and gain market insights, further strengthening its position in the industry.

Funding and Market Challenges

Despite her achievements, Priyanka Singhal faced significant challenges in securing funding and gaining market acceptance in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The initial stages of starting a defense tech company were fraught with obstacles, including navigating bureaucratic processes and establishing credibility.

To overcome these challenges, Priyanka adopted a bootstrapping approach, utilizing personal savings and early revenue-generating strategies.

She started by trading electronic components, which provided the necessary funds to develop prototypes and expand her product line. This frugal yet strategic approach allowed Ammunic Systems to gain traction without incurring heavy debts.

Overcoming Gender Bias

Priyanka’s journey was not without its gender-related hurdles. As a woman in the defense sector, she encountered biases that often underestimated her capabilities. However, she remained undeterred, channeling her energy into proving her critics wrong and establishing herself as a formidable leader in the industry.

Priyanka Singhal: Current Projections

As Ammunic Systems continues to grow, Priyanka’s vision for the company remains focused on self-sufficiency in the Indian defense sector. The projected revenue for the financial year 2024-25 is promising, with estimates indicating a significant increase compared to previous years.

This growth reflects the increasing demand for indigenous technology solutions and the successful execution of Priyanka’s strategic initiatives.

Importance of Indigenous Technology

The significance of developing indigenous technology cannot be overstated, especially in the context of India’s defense capabilities. By investing in local solutions, the country can enhance its security posture, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and foster innovation within its borders.

Priyanka Singhal: Championing Women in Defence

Beyond her professional achievements, Priyanka Singhal is a strong advocate for women in the defense industry. Recognizing the need for greater female representation, she has implemented initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within her company.

Initiatives for Female Representation

  • Hiring and Training Female Interns: Priyanka actively seeks to hire and train female interns, providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in defense technology. This commitment not only empowers women but also contributes to building a diverse talent pool in the industry.
  • Supportive Workplace Culture: At Ammunic Systems, Priyanka fosters a workplace culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. She has implemented family-friendly policies, such as creating a play area for working mothers, ensuring that employees can balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
  • Mentorship Programs: Priyanka is passionate about mentoring young women aspiring to enter the tech and defense sectors. By sharing her experiences and insights, she hopes to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Conclusion: Priyanka Singhal

Priyanka Singhal’s journey in the defense technology sector is a testament to her determination, resilience, and innovative spirit.

As she continues to break barriers and pave the way for women in a traditionally male-dominated field, her contributions are poised to inspire future generations.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Entrepreneur Villa, its creators or staff. Entrepreneur Villa is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented in this content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who is Priyanka Singhal?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal is the founder of Ammunic Systems, a defense technology company that develops indigenous solutions aligned with India’s Make in India initiative. She is a pioneering woman leader in the defense sector, breaking gender barriers and promoting innovation.

2. What is Ammunic Systems?

Answer: Ammunic Systems is a defense technology company founded by Priyanka Singhal in 2019. The company focuses on developing indigenous defense technologies to enhance India’s national security and self-reliance.

3. What are Priyanka Singhal’s major achievements in defense technology?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal’s key achievements include developing India’s first fully indigenous electronic fusing system for underwater munitions and leading Ammunic Systems to prominence in the defense sector.

4. How did Priyanka Singhal start her career in defense technology?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal began her career in defense technology after an internship at DRDO, where she gained exposure to cutting-edge defense technologies and decided to shift her career focus from IAS to defense tech.

5. How is Priyanka Singhal contributing to gender diversity in the defense sector?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal promotes female representation in her company, Ammunic Systems, by hiring and training female interns, fostering a supportive workplace culture, and implementing family-friendly policies, including a play area for working mothers.

6. What challenges did Priyanka Singhal face in the defense industry?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal faced significant challenges in securing funding and gaining market acceptance in a male-dominated industry. She overcame these obstacles through bootstrapping and revenue-generating strategies like trading electronic components.

7. What role does Ammunic Systems play in India’s Make in India initiative?

Answer: Ammunic Systems, founded by Priyanka Singhal, aligns with the Make in India initiative by developing indigenous defense technologies, reducing India’s reliance on foreign suppliers, and contributing to national security.

8. What is Priyanka Singhal’s vision for Ammunic Systems?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal envisions Ammunic Systems becoming a leader in developing self-sufficient defense technologies for India, driving innovation and promoting gender diversity in the defense tech industry.

9. How is Priyanka Singhal breaking gender barriers in defense technology?

Answer: Priyanka Singhal is breaking gender barriers by leading Ammunic Systems, a defense tech company in a traditionally male-dominated field. She actively promotes women in defense through mentorship, hiring initiatives, and workplace inclusivity.

10. Why is indigenous technology development important for India’s defense sector?

Answer: Indigenous technology development, as led by Priyanka Singhal’s Ammunic Systems, is crucial for India’s defense sector to enhance national security, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and foster local innovation in critical defense technologies.

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