Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a government startup scheme in New Delhi, India. Ministry of Defence programme, run by the Defence Innovation Organisation, that funds startups, MSMEs and individual innovators who solve defence problem statements: grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for DISC and Open Challenge winners and up to ₹25 crore for ADITI winners. DISC-14 and ADITI 4.0 carry 107 problem statements, and the Open Challenge stays open all year.

What it offers

• “Grant support of up to ₹1.5 crore is provided to DISC winners and up to ₹25 crore to ADITI winners.” — idex.gov.in
• “The application window of Open Challenge remains open throughout the year.” — idex.gov.in
• “Grant support of up to ₹1.5 crore is provided to OC winners.” — idex.gov.in
• “The objective of the scheme is to provide financial support to nearly 300 Startups/ MSMEs/ individual innovators and about 20 Partner incubators through Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).” — pib.gov.in

Who can apply

• “Startups, as defined and recognized by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.” — idex.gov.in
• “Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as defined in the MSME Act, 2006.” — idex.gov.in
• “At the time of application, Individual Innovator need not to have a registered entity.” — idex.gov.in
• “Individual innovators are also encouraged to apply (research & academic institutions can use this category to apply).” — pib.gov.in

How to apply

Apply or read the rules on the official site.

About this listing

TrustList compiled this listing from Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)'s official pages in September 2026. The quotes above are its own words. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change, so check the official site before you rely on them.