iDEX Open Challenge by DIO

• Startups and individuals at any stage innovating for open-ended defence technology challenges.

About this scheme

The iDEX Open Challenge is a flagship initiative under Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), implemented by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India's defence and aerospace sectors. The challenge creates a structured platform for startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to propose breakthrough technologies that can strengthen India's military and strategic capabilities.

The Open Challenge casts a wide net across leading-edge technology domains including aerospace, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, intelligent machines, predictive algorithms, and related defence applications. Unlike narrowly defined problem statements, this category allows innovators to propose original solutions that have potential use in defence and aerospace environments.

Selected applicants are given the opportunity to present their solutions before the iDEX Grand Jury. High-potential proposals may qualify for grants of up to Rs. 1.5 crore, along with potential investment support. The initiative is organized periodically throughout the year, enabling continuous engagement between innovators and defence stakeholders. Through facilitation by DIO and its partner incubators, startups and innovators can directly engage with the armed forces and defence ecosystem.

Who can apply

• Open to Indian startups.
• Open to individual innovators.
• Open to MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
• Proposed solutions must have applicability in defence and aerospace sectors.
• Proposals may be submitted under one or more technology themes including aerospace, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and related domains.

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

Benefits & funding

• Direct engagement with the armed forces and defence ecosystem; access to DIO and Partner Incubator network; opportunity to pilot solutions with the military; visibility through iDEX Grand Jury showcase; potential follow-on investment via SIDBI iDEX Seed Fund and other iDEX-linked instruments.

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

   Submitted proposals are screened for fit with defence/aerospace use cases, then technically evaluated.

2. 2

   Shortlisted innovators pitch to the iDEX Grand Jury, which selects winners for milestone-based grant contracts.

3. 3

   Evaluation considers technology novelty, defence applicability, team capability and feasibility of demonstration.

Documents checklist 5

• Technology / Solution Description
• Defence / Aerospace Use Case Note
• Feasibility Evidence or Demonstration
• Entity Registration / MSME / Udyam Certificate
• Pitch Deck

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

Frequently asked questions