ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy)

ASTRA 1.0 is a three-month accelerator program focused on defence technology, designed to transform innovative prototypes into practical applications for the defence sector. This initiative is led by T-Works, a Government of Telangana project that aims to make hardware prototyping more accessible and efficient through a comprehensive product development ecosystem. JNTUH TBI, an institution with NAAC A++ accreditation, collaborates by providing its academic and incubation expertise, establishing a strong foundation for startups participating in the program.

The program emphasizes the practical validation of solutions in real-world defence environments, moving beyond theoretical development. This approach addresses the crucial requirement for solutions that not only perform well in laboratory settings but also adhere to the strict operational and security standards necessary for deployment in the defence sector. ASTRA 1.0 seeks to strategically bridge the gap between initial concepts and successful integration into India's defence ecosystem, thereby fostering indigenous capabilities.

A significant advantage of ASTRA 1.0 is its equity-free structure, ensuring that founders maintain complete ownership of their ventures. While the program does not offer direct cash grants, it provides invaluable access to T-Works' cutting-edge hardware prototyping infrastructure. This includes specialized tools and machinery essential for advanced manufacturing, precision fabrication, and rigorous testing of hardware suitable for defence applications.

Beyond infrastructure, participants benefit from structured mentorship provided by experienced defence experts, offering insights into procurement processes, operational requirements, and market entry strategies. Startups also gain access to sandbox testing environments that simulate various operational conditions, enabling robust validation of their solutions. The program facilitates strategic connections with investors, corporate entities, and the broader defence ecosystem. Furthermore, participants receive expert guidance on navigating key government funding schemes such as iDEX, TDF, Make-1, and Make-2, supporting their journey towards real-world deployment and market integration within the defence sector.

• A 3-month defence technology accelerator program.
• Equity-free participation; no direct cash grants.
• Open to PoC-ready or early-revenue Indian hardware startups.
• Access to T-Works' state-of-the-art prototyping infrastructure.
• Focus on energy, autonomous systems, sensors, and advanced hardware for defence.
• Mentorship from defence experts and connections to investors.

The ASTRA 1.0 program is open to Indian startups that are part of the nation's innovation ecosystem, with a strong focus on contributing domestically to defence technology.

Eligible startups must have either developed a Proof of Concept (PoC) or be in the early-revenue stage of their business lifecycle. This targets solutions that are ready for practical application or have already achieved initial market validation.

Applicants are required to be developing solutions specifically for defence technology applications, addressing critical needs within the Indian defence sector. Key technology focus areas include:

• Energy and power systems
• Autonomous systems
• Sensors and communication
• Advanced hardware

Participating teams should clearly demonstrate their readiness to advance their solutions from the research and development phase towards practical, real-world defence deployments, showcasing a viable path to implementation and impact.

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.

Participation in ASTRA 1.0 is equity-free, meaning startups retain full ownership, and the program does not provide direct cash grants.

The primary benefits include comprehensive access to T-Works' state-of-the-art hardware prototyping infrastructure, which encompasses specialized tools and machinery essential for advanced development.

Recipients also gain:

• Structured mentorship from seasoned defence experts, offering critical insights.
• Access to sandbox testing environments to simulate diverse operational conditions.
• Strategic connections with investors, corporates, and the wider defence ecosystem.
• Expert guidance on navigating significant government funding schemes such as iDEX and TDF.

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.

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.

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.