Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

iDEX is a government initiative that supports startups and innovators in building defence solutions so the military can access advanced, homegrown technologies and reduce reliance on imports.

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is the operational framework of the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a special purpose vehicle under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
• The iDEX framework was launched in 2018 to support the attainment of self-reliance in the fields of defence and defence production.
• iDEX partners with incubators, i.e. Partner Incubators (PIs) to facilitate mentoring and access to infrastructure/test facilities to innovators, including amongst the smaller enterprises, startups and MSMES, to foster innovation in the defense sector in an integrated manner.

• DPIIT recognised startups.
• Any company incorporated under the Companies Act, primarily a MSME as defined under the MSME Act 2016.
• Individual innovators can also apply.

• Beneficiaries are provided grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D development.
• Innovation activities like accelerator programs, challenges etc., are carried under the initiative, by the iDEX Partner Incubators.
• Grants ranging from ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore awarded to startups based on the scheme/challenge applied to.

Visit https://idex.gov.in/challenges for more information on Challenges organized under iDEX.

• Operational guidelines: idex.gov.in (opens in a new tab)