Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The iDEX Open Challenge is seeking grant applications to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the defence and aerospace sectors by supporting innovative solutions from startups and individuals.
Focus Areas, defence innovation, aerospace technologies, military capability enhancement, innovation and entrepreneurship development, aerospace systems, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, technology feasibility demonstration, direct engagement with military, solution development for defence applications, strengthening national security capabilities, startup and MSME participation, indigenous technology development.
Selected participants can receive grant support of up to Rs. 1.5 crore, enabling them to further develop and scale their innovations. The programme also facilitates interaction with defence stakeholders through partner incubators, creating a pathway for transforming ideas into viable solutions.
The iDEX Open Challenge serves as a significant initiative to encourage technological advancement and foster innovation within the defence ecosystem, providing both financial and institutional support to emerging innovators.
The iDEX Open Challenge is implemented by iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation to create opportunities for innovators to contribute to the defence sector. It provides a platform for startups, individual innovators, and MSMEs to present their ideas and technologies that can be applied in defence and aerospace applications.
Participants are encouraged to submit proposals that clearly outline their technology or solution, its potential applications, and, where possible, demonstrate feasibility. The challenge enables innovators to showcase their capabilities and engage directly with the military, facilitating collaboration and real-world application of their solutions.
The initiative supports a wide range of advanced technology domains, including aerospace, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. By doing so, it aims to harness emerging technologies to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and promote self-reliance in critical sectors.
Eligibility for the challenge is open to Indian startups, individual innovators, and MSMEs that have innovative solutions relevant to defence and aerospace. Applicants must submit their proposals through the designated portal and ensure that their ideas align with the objectives of enhancing military capabilities.
For more information, visit IDEX.
