Innovations for Defence Excellence
Defence Innovation Organisation, Ministry of Defence
Grant challenges that pay startups, MSMEs and individual innovators to build technology for the armed forces against published problem statements. Tracks include the Defence India Startup Challenge, the Open Challenge and iDEX Prime. Domains include AI, cryptography and communications as well as drones and radar. Winners can move towards procurement.
What you can get
Up to ₹1.5 crore under Defence India Startup Challenge, up to ₹10 crore under iDEX Prime
Do you repay it?
No
Type
Grant
Where
All of India
Current status
Every listing on the challenges page showed closed. The latest were the Open Challenge on 30 September 2026, DISC 12 Re Open on 15 July 2026 and DISC 14 on 4 May 2026. No next edition is shown.
Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startup, or a company that is primarily an MSME
- Individual innovators can also apply
- Solution must answer a listed problem statement or qualify for the Open Challenge
How to apply
- 1Watch the iDEX challenges page for a live edition
- 2Read the problem statements and pick one you can solve
- 3Apply online before the stated closing date
The catch
You must solve a specific defence problem, and the buyer is effectively the armed forces. Expect long trials and procurement steps. A software team can fit AI or cryptography statements but this is not a general startup grant.
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.