About this programme
iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) is a Government of India initiative launched in April 2018 and relaunched with dedicated budgetary support in May 2021 to engage MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia to develop cutting-edge, indigenous technologies for the Indian defence and aerospace sector. It is executed through the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), a not-for-profit company set up by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited on behalf of the Department of Defence Production. Funding is provided as a grant-in-aid to develop and validate prototypes/products, primarily channeled through Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC) and Open Challenges under the Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) framework, as well as the ADITI scheme for critical and strategic technologies. Standard SPARK grants go up to Rs 1.50 crore, iDEX Prime grants go up to Rs 10 crore, and ADITI grants go up to Rs 25 crore, released in tranches linked to milestone completion and matching contribution by the innovator. The scheme has a total budgetary outlay of Rs 498.78 crore for the 2021-22 to 2025-26 period (with ADITI separately allocated Rs 750 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26). It is run by Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in defence and aerospace technology innovation. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
How it works
Problem statements are floated periodically by the Services/DPSUs/DIO under Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC), Open Challenges, or ADITI; innovators submit proposals against a specific challenge on the iDEX portal, selected applicants sign a grant agreement and receive milestone-linked, tranche-wise grant disbursement (SPARK/Prime/ADITI) to develop and deliver a working prototype, with successful prototypes eligible for follow-on procurement by the armed forces.
Who can apply
Indian startups (DPIIT-recognised or eligible to be so), MSMEs as defined under the MSME Act 2006, and individual innovators (who must incorporate as a startup/MSME before signing the grant agreement) working on defence and aerospace technology problem statements floated under Open Challenge.
How to apply
- Visit the iDEX portal (idex.gov.in) and review open Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC), Open Challenges, or ADITI problem statements
- Check challenge-specific guidelines under the Resources/How to Apply section
- Submit an application/proposal against the chosen challenge through the iDEX portal
- Undergo evaluation/selection by the Grant Approval Committee
- Sign the grant agreement and receive milestone-based, tranche-wise disbursement
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business registration / incorporation certificate
- PAN (and GST registration, where applicable)
- Identity and address proof for the applicant / directors
- A short description of your business or project
- Recent financials or a simple project report
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
What kind of support is this?
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds.
Who runs this programme?
Innovations for Defence Excellence - Open Challenge is offered by Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The programme lists a deadline of 2026-09-30. Government timelines can change, so confirm the current date on the official programme page before you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.