Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Innovations for Defence Excellence
A flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the defence and aerospace sectors.
iDEX at a glance
| Full name | Innovations for Defence Excellence |
|---|---|
| Address | India |
| Programmes | 1 standing programme · 1 open call right now |
| Official website | idex.gov.in |
Programs by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
1 open now · 1 past · Filter all programs
Programs Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) supports
Programs this organisation partners on, run by others. · 1 past program
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), separate from the funding calls above.
iDEX Challenge
Grant schemeProvides grant funding up to ₹1.5 crores for startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to develop prototypes and products addressing defence problem statements.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Applicants respond to iDEX Challenge problem statements/focus areas. The selected applications will be funded up to ₹1.5 crores in the form of equity/other relevant structures. The funds will be disbursed in tranches based on the milestones decided by a high-powered selection committee. Selected applicants may also be given entry to accelerator programs run by iDEX partners, where they will be supported in technology and business development through mentorship under the innovation and entrepreneurship experts. The selected applicants may also be supported in terms of access to defence testing facilities and experts for their product/technology development. Focus areas include Research & Development, Prototyping, Pilot Implementation, and Market Assessment. Who can apply: Startups (as defined and recognized by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India), MSMEs (any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as defined in the MSME Act, 2006), and Individual Innovators (research & academic institutions can use this category to apply).
Incubation tracks
The routes into Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iDEX Challenge IncubationEntry for selected applicants to accelerator programs run by iDEX partners. | Acceleration | — | financial grants up to ₹1.5 crores, technology development support, business development support, mentorship, access to defence testing facilities and experts |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Defence Testing Facilities
Access via host institution
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
About Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is an initiative of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Government of India. It aims to foster innovation and technological development for the Indian defence sector. iDEX supports startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators by launching recurring challenges and providing grant funding for prototyping and product development. Selected applicants receive support for technology and business development through mentorship, and access to defence testing facilities. The program focuses on areas such as Research & Development, Prototyping, Pilot Implementation, and Market Assessment, in response to specific problem statements from Defence Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Defence Space.
Frequently asked questions about Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
What is the full form of iDEX?
iDEX stands for Innovations for Defence Excellence.
What does Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) do?
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is an initiative of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Government of India. It aims to foster innovation and technological development for the Indian defence sector.
Where is Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) located?
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is based in India.
What programs does Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) run?
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) currently has 1 open programme: iDEX Open Challenge. 1 further programme has run in the past.
What facilities does Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) offer?
Incubatees also get access to Defence Testing Facilities through its host institution.
How do I apply to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)?
Applications run through each programme's own call. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) lists 1 open programme — check the programme page for its deadline and eligibility, or apply via https://idex.gov.in.
Recommended grants & schemes
Other open programmes matching Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)'s focus areas.
