Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX
Defence Innovation Organisation, Ministry of Defence
A larger iDEX grant for startups and innovators developing strategically critical defence technologies that need much bigger budgets. It funds up to half of a product development budget, with challenges and hackathons run against defence problem statements. Winners are incubated by iDEX Partner Incubators and must bring the remaining money themselves.
What you can get
Up to 50% of the product development budget, capped at ₹25 crore
Do you repay it?
No
Type
Grant
Where
All of India
Current status
ADITI 4 is listed as closed with a last date of 4 May 2026. The scheme paper budgets FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26, and no notice covering later years or another edition was found.
Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startup or Indian company under the Companies Act
- Individual innovators can also apply
- Working on a listed critical or strategic technology challenge
How to apply
- 1Watch the iDEX challenges page for an ADITI edition
- 2Choose a listed problem statement
- 3Apply online before the closing date
The catch
You must fund the other half, which can mean raising serious money. The published budget period ended in FY 2025-26, so a further edition is not assured. This is for hard defence technology, not typical SaaS.
We read this on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm there before you apply. Founders Wing is not connected to this scheme, does not help with applications and never charges for access to it.