iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)

✦Key Features

• 549 problem statements (DISC challenges); 619 startups/MSMEs engaged; 430 contracts signed (Feb 2025)
• 43 items procured by Indian Armed Forces worth ₹2,400+ crore (Feb 2025)
• SPARK grant: up to ₹1.5 crore per startup; iDEX Prime: up to ₹10 crore for larger projects
• ADITI scheme (launched March 4, 2024): ₹750 crore for deep-tech; grants up to ₹25 crore
• ADITI 2.0 (Oct 2024): 19 challenges in AI, quantum, anti-drone, cyber
• DIO (Defence Innovation Organisation) manages iDEX under Dept. of Defence Production
• Budget: ₹498.78 crore (2021-26); ADITI adds ₹750 crore; total ecosystem value ₹3,000+ crore

✓Eligibility Criteria

• Startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with a focus on defense innovation.
• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as defined under the MSMED Act, 2006.
• Individual innovators, researchers, or academic institutions working on technologies relevant to defense and aerospace.
• Any Indian company or entrepreneur proposing a solution for the specific 'Challenges' launched by the Ministry of Defence.

★Benefits

• Financial grants ranging from ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore depending on the project type and challenge category.
• Technical mentorship and handholding provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Armed Forces.
• Facilitation of trials and access to military testing ranges and laboratories for product validation.
• Creation of a direct pathway for the procurement of the successfully developed technology by the Ministry of Defence.
• Exposure to a vast network of investors and venture capitalists through the iDEX ecosystem.

▶Application Process

• Register on the official iDEX portal and create an organizational or individual profile.
• Identify and respond to specific technological challenges launched under the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC).
• Submit a comprehensive technical and financial proposal outlining the innovation and development roadmap.
• Participate in a rigorous multi-stage screening and evaluation process conducted by a panel of technical experts.
• Upon final selection, sign the grant agreement and receive the first tranche of funding for the prototype development.

₹ Budget Allocation

498

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% Central Sector (Grants-in-aid provided via Defence Innovation Organisation)

Historical Context

Launched in 2018 to bridge the gap between the military's tech requirements and the innovative potential of the Indian startup ecosystem.

Sub-Schemes

Challenges

• Rigid and lengthy defence procurement cycles
• Scaling prototypes for mass production
• High capital requirement for deep-tech defence R&D
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management between startups and MoD

Reforms & Recommendations

• Dedicated 'Fast Track' procurement channel for iDEX winners
• Creation of a Defence Venture Capital Fund
• Setting up dedicated testing and certification labs for startups

Performance Statistics

SDG Linkages

Constitutional Backing

Technology Used

Success Stories

Key Takeaways

• Funding up to Rs. 1.5 Cr (Standard) and Rs. 10 Cr (Prime)
• Direct engagement with Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Open innovation through DISC challenges
• Fast-track grant mechanism

Convergence Schemes

• Startup India
• Make in India
• Atal Innovation Mission
• Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund

Sector Tags