ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX

ADITI 4.0, also known as Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX, is a premier grant initiative spearheaded by the Defence Innovation Organisation, operating under the Ministry of Defence. This program is specifically designed to accelerate the creation of impactful, domestically developed defence technologies. It achieves this by inviting startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to address critical military challenges identified by the Indian Armed Forces and the Defence Space Agency.

The fourth iteration of the ADITI program presents 25 advanced problem statements. These challenges are distributed across various branches, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Defence Space domains. The scope of these challenges is broad, encompassing cutting-edge technological fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, advanced materials, space technologies, autonomous systems, and precision weapon systems. The core objective of this initiative is to bolster India's strategic independence, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and champion indigenous innovation that aligns with national security priorities.

Selected projects under ADITI 4.0 can receive grant funding of up to ₹25 crore. This funding is typically disbursed in stages, linked to the successful achievement of predefined milestones. These milestones include the development of prototypes, their subsequent validation, and rigorous testing in accordance with defence standards. Applicants who are chosen are expected to deliver functional prototypes that meet the strict operational and certification criteria set forth by the armed forces.

Beyond financial support, ADITI 4.0 provides comprehensive ecosystem assistance. This includes access to specialized defence testing infrastructure, invaluable mentorship from experts within the armed forces, opportunities for validation, and clear pathways towards potential procurement. Prototypes that successfully pass these stages have a high probability of being integrated into the Indian Armed Forces, leading to bulk procurement orders and even export potential to friendly international partners.

• Grant funding of up to ₹25 crore per project.
• Addresses 25 critical military problem statements across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Space.
• Open to startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators.
• Focuses on indigenous deep-tech defence solutions aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Provides access to defence testing infrastructure and armed forces mentorship.
• Offers pathways for induction into the Indian Armed Forces and export potential.

The ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program is open to a diverse range of applicants who are focused on defence and deep-tech solutions.

• Who can apply: Startups, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and individual innovators are all eligible.
• Project focus: Applicants must propose solutions that directly address one of the 25 specific challenge statements issued by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, or the Defence Space Agency.
• Technical capability: Prospective participants should possess the technical expertise required to develop advanced technology prototypes. This includes proficiency in fields such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), robotics, aerospace, electronics, advanced materials, or other related domains.
• Development and standards: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to develop indigenous solutions that align with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Furthermore, they must be capable of meeting stringent defence-grade testing, validation, and certification requirements.
• Scalability and deployment: A key requirement is the ability to scale the developed solution and support its eventual induction and deployment within the defence ecosystem.

ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX closed on 4 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program receive substantial support to advance their defence technology solutions.

• Grant Funding: Projects are eligible for grant funding of up to ₹25 crore. This financial support is typically structured on a milestone-based system, ensuring progress and accountability.
• Ecosystem Access: Beyond direct funding, participants gain access to critical defence testing infrastructure, which is essential for developing and validating robust defence technologies.
• Expert Mentorship: The program provides invaluable mentorship from seasoned experts within the armed forces, offering guidance and insights crucial for navigating the defence sector.
• Validation and Procurement: Selected innovators benefit from validation opportunities and clear pathways towards potential procurement by the Indian Armed Forces.
• Long-term Potential: Successful prototypes have a high likelihood of formal induction into the Indian Armed Forces, leading to opportunities for bulk procurement and even export to friendly foreign nations, significantly expanding market reach.

ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX is offered by Defence Innovation Organisation, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.