ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy)
3-month defence tech accelerator by T-Works for PoC-ready/early-revenue hardware startups. Equity-free with lab access and mentorship.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- T-Works (Government)
- Application deadline
- 7 Sept 2026
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) is a three-month equity-free accelerator programme for defence technology hardware startups. It is led by T-Works, a Government of Telangana initiative that provides a complete product development ecosystem for hardware prototyping. JNTUH TBI, an NAAC A++ accredited institution, lends academic and incubation expertise.
The programme focuses on moving solutions from concept to real-world defence deployment. It emphasises practical testing in environments that mimic operational defence conditions, ensuring that products meet stringent security and performance requirements. By supporting indigenous defence technology development, ASTRA 1.0 aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Participants do not receive cash grants but gain invaluable access to T-Works' advanced hardware fabrication and testing infrastructure, including specialised tools for precision manufacturing and rigorous testing of defence-grade hardware. Additional support includes structured mentorship from defence professionals, sandbox testing environments, strategic connections with investors and corporates, guidance on government funding schemes such as iDEX, TDF, Make-1, and Make-2, and a demo day to showcase solutions to potential partners and investors.
Highlights
- Equity-free accelerator with no equity dilution for founders.
- Open to hardware startups with a PoC or early revenue in defence tech.
- Access to T-Works' advanced hardware prototyping labs and testing facilities.
- Mentorship from defence technology experts and industry veterans.
- Focus on key areas: energy/power, autonomous systems, sensors/communication, and advanced hardware.
- Application deadline: 7th September 2026.
Who can apply
The programme is open to Indian startups developing defence technology applications. To apply, startups must have a functional Proof of Concept (PoC) or be at early-revenue stage (post-product). The solution must target defence technology areas, particularly energy and power systems, autonomous systems, sensors and communication, and advanced hardware. Teams should be ready to advance from R&D to practical defence deployment. There are no specific restrictions on allowed states, entity types, DPIIT registration, or MSME certification.
ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in space drone defense. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Applications for ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) are open and the current deadline is 7 Sept 2026. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
The programme is equity-free and does not provide direct cash grants. Benefits include:
- Access to T-Works' state-of-the-art hardware prototyping and testing infrastructure.
- Structured mentorship from defence experts covering procurement, operations, and market entry.
- Sandbox testing environments for realistic solution validation.
- Strategic connections with investors, corporates, and the defence ecosystem.
- Expert guidance on government funding schemes like iDEX, TDF, Make-1, and Make-2.
- A demo day opportunity to pitch to potential partners and investors.
About the provider
ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) is offered by T-Works, 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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process includes several stages:
- Online Application: Startups fill out a detailed online form describing their team, defence solution, current stage, technology focus, and expected impact.
- Initial Screening: A panel of experts from T-Works, JNTUH TBI, and defence industry specialists reviews applications based on alignment with programme goals, innovation, and technical feasibility.
- Pitch and Interview: Shortlisted teams submit a full pitch deck and participate in virtual interviews to present their capabilities and integration potential.
- Final Selection: The cohort is chosen based on innovation, technical readiness, potential for real-world deployment, and team strength.
- Onboarding: Selected startups formally join the three-month accelerator and receive access to facilities.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy), 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.
Who this is best for
ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) is best suited for product and revenue-stage space drone defense startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ASTRA 1.0 accelerator programme?
The programme runs for three months.
Does ASTRA 1.0 provide cash grants or take equity?
No cash grants are provided, and the programme takes zero equity. All support is in-kind, including infrastructure and mentorship.
Can my startup apply if it is at the idea stage?
No. The programme requires a developed Proof of Concept (PoC) or early revenue.
Which sectors does the programme focus on?
Defence technology applications, with emphasis on energy and power systems, autonomous systems, sensors and communication, and advanced hardware.
Are there DPIIT or MSME registration requirements?
The programme does not list any mandatory DPIIT or MSME registration, but startups must be based in India and developing solutions for the Indian defence ecosystem.
What are the main benefits of joining ASTRA 1.0?
Access to T-Works prototyping infrastructure, sandbox testing, expert mentorship, investor/corporate connections, guidance on iDEX/TDF schemes, and a demo day.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted until 7th September 2026.
How do I apply?
Submit the online application form available via the Google Docs link on the T-Works website. The form requires details about your team and solution.
Does the programme help with mass manufacturing?
The programme offers access to prototyping infrastructure; specific mass-manufacturing assistance is not listed in the available facts.
What criteria are used to select startups?
Startups are evaluated on innovation, technical readiness for real-world defence deployment, team strength, and potential to strengthen domestic defence capability.
Who is eligible to apply for ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy)?
ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in space drone defense. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy)?
ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy) is offered by T-Works, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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