SIDBI-iDEX Seed Fund 2026
By PIEDS
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
The SIDBI-iDEX Seed Fund offers equity/equity-linked funding up to ₹1.5 Crore and incubation support to early-stage DPIIT-recognized private limited companies with prior iDEX grants, focusing on Defence, Aerospace, and DeepTech innovations.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by PIEDS. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this funding program
The SIDBI-iDEX Seed Fund 2026 is a crucial initiative designed to bolster India's defence and aerospace capabilities by supporting innovative DeepTech startups. This program aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies that have already demonstrated potential through the iDEX challenge. By providing substantial equity/equity-linked investment and essential incubation support through PIEDS, the fund enables startups to transition their groundbreaking ideas from conceptualization to market-ready solutions. It fosters an ecosystem where technological advancements can thrive, directly contributing to national security and self-reliance in critical sectors. The fund targets companies with a clear vision to develop disruptive technologies and provides the necessary resources to navigate the complex journey of product development, testing, and market entry within the defence and aerospace domains. This strategic partnership between SIDBI, iDEX, and PIEDS is set to accelerate the growth of a new generation of Indian innovators.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) is the Technology Business Incubator of BITS Pilani, an autonomous not-for-profit society registered in 2013 under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act. It is based at the Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Center on the…
Learn moreOverview The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing and development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in India. Established on 2 April 1990 under an Act of Parliament, SIDBI…
Learn moreInnovations 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…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.5 Cr
What You Get
The SIDBI-iDEX Seed Fund provides equity or equity-linked investment of up to ₹1.5 Crore to selected startups. This capital is crucial for driving prototyping, product development, and field trials. Beyond financial support, the program includes comprehensive incubation with PIEDS, offering strategic guidance and operational support. Startups will benefit from go-to-market assistance, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities to accelerate their growth and impact within India's defence ecosystem.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a thorough screening process by PIEDS and iDEX to verify eligibility, particularly regarding DPIIT recognition, incorporation age, and prior iDEX grant status. Shortlisted startups may be required to provide further documentation or participate in presentation rounds. The final selection will be made based on the innovation's potential, alignment with defence and aerospace needs, and the startup's commitment to incubation with PIEDS.
Application Process
- 1
Review Guidelines
Applicants must read the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions carefully.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum funding available through the SIDBI-iDEX Seed Fund?
The program offers funding support of up to ₹1.5 Crore (₹15,000,000) as equity or equity-linked investment.
Which types of startups are eligible to apply?
Only DPIIT-recognized Indian Private Limited companies are eligible. Additionally, applicants must have received an iDEX grant or be an iDEX challenge winner and be willing to incubate with PIEDS.
Are there any age restrictions for the company?
Yes, your private limited company must have been incorporated at least one year prior to submitting the request for seed funding.
What kind of support does the program offer beyond funding?
Beyond equity investment, the fund provides incubation support through PIEDS, including assistance with prototyping, testing, product development, field trials, and go-to-market strategies. This comprehensive support helps transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants should be ready with their Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA), Company PAN Card, GST registration certificate, and DPIIT certificate before filling out the online application form.
Is an iDEX grant a mandatory prerequisite for this fund?
Yes, it is explicitly stated that applicants must have received an iDEX grant or be an iDEX challenge winner to be eligible for consideration under this program.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
