iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female

• Defence MedTech startups developing healthcare solutions for military personnel
• Indian startups building wearable, medical, or aviation-support technologies
• MSMEs creating innovative defence healthcare devices
• Female health and hygiene technology innovators
• Founders solving operational challenges faced by armed forces personnel
• Innovators seeking equity-free defence grant funding and military validation opportunities

About this scheme

iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) is a defence innovation challenge launched under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) on behalf of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). The challenge invites Indian startups, MSMEs, and innovators to develop an inflight urination device for female fighter pilots, addressing a critical operational and physiological challenge faced during long-duration combat and training missions.

Female fighter pilots often operate in demanding environments where access to restroom facilities is impossible during flight. Existing solutions may not adequately meet the requirements of fighter aircraft operations, creating discomfort, operational limitations, and potential health concerns. AFMS is seeking an innovative, safe, hygienic, and user-friendly solution that enables female pilots to manage urinary needs during extended flight missions without affecting safety, mobility, or mission effectiveness.

The proposed solution should be lightweight, ergonomic, compatible with existing flight gear, easy to operate in confined cockpit environments, and suitable for high-performance flight conditions. Innovators are encouraged to develop solutions that ensure comfort, dignity, hygiene, and operational efficiency while meeting the stringent standards required for military aviation applications.

Selected applicants can receive up to ₹1.5 crore in equity-free funding through the iDEX framework to design, develop, and validate a working prototype. Participants also gain access to defence stakeholders, technical experts, testing opportunities, and the broader defence innovation ecosystem, creating pathways for deployment within the armed forces and potential commercialization in healthcare, aviation, and related sectors.

Through this challenge, iDEX aims to promote indigenous innovation, strengthen defence self-reliance, and support the development of technologies that improve the operational effectiveness and well-being of women serving in the Indian Armed Forces.

Who can apply

• Open to Indian startups recognized under the applicable iDEX eligibility framework
• Open to Indian MSMEs with relevant technology development capabilities
• Open to individual innovators and technology developers
• Applicants must propose a solution addressing the AFMS problem statement for an inflight urination device for female fighter pilots
• The proposed solution should be safe, hygienic, ergonomic, and suitable for military aviation environments
• The solution should be compatible with fighter aircraft operations and existing pilot equipment
• Applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility and capability to develop a working prototype
• The proposed technology should support operational effectiveness, user comfort, and safety during extended flight missions

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, Proprietorship

Benefits & funding

• Up to ₹1.5 crore in equity-free funding
• Direct access to Indian Air Force and Armed Forces Medical Services stakeholders
• Opportunity to develop and validate defence-grade technology
• Support through the iDEX innovation ecosystem
• Potential certification and deployment opportunities within defence services
• National recognition through the iDEX platform
• Potential commercialization opportunities beyond defence applications
• Access to defence innovation mentors and technical experts

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Defence Innovation Organisation, in your own name.

1. 1

   Submit an application addressing the AFMS problem statement and technical requirements.

2. 2

   Provide details of the proposed solution, technology approach, development plan, and team capabilities.

3. 3

   Applications undergo technical screening and eligibility assessment.

4. 4

   Shortlisted applicants are invited for expert evaluation and defence-use-case review.

5. 5

   Selected innovators present their solution before the iDEX evaluation panel.

6. 6

   Successful applicants receive approval for milestone-based grant funding.

7. 7

   Develop and demonstrate a working prototype meeting operational requirements.

8. 8

   Complete testing, validation, certification, and project milestones as defined under the iDEX framework.

Documents checklist 10

• Pitch Deck
• Technical Solution Proposal
• Product Design Concept
• Prototype Development Plan
• Founder and Team Profiles
• Entity Registration Documents
• MSME/Udyam Certificate (if applicable)
• Technology Feasibility Evidence
• Project Budget and Milestone Plan
• Defence Use Case Note

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions