Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition
A student-driven defence and technology project competition by BMSIT&M, Bengaluru, featuring a ₹50,000 cash prize pool and certificates.
- Funding amount
- ₹50,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- BMS Institute of Technology and Management (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026 is a premier student-driven Defence and Technology event organized by BMS Institute of Technology and Management, Bengaluru. It is designed to foster innovation, technical excellence, and defence awareness by bringing together students, industry experts, and enthusiasts.
The project competition is open to students from various institutions across India. Teams of 1 to 5 members can showcase innovative projects in domains like robotics, artificial intelligence, IoT, aerospace, and emerging defence technologies.
The competition unfolds in two rounds. Round 1 involves an online screening where teams submit their problem statements, detailed project descriptions, PowerPoint presentations, a 3-5 minute video demonstration, and supporting technical documents. Shortlisted teams then proceed to Round 2, the Final Expo, held offline at BMS Institute of Technology and Management, Bengaluru. This round requires a live physical demonstration, a presentation to an expert evaluation panel, and a Q&A session with industry veterans. The main expo and final presentations are scheduled for April 30, 2026.
A total cash prize pool of ₹50,000 is awarded to the top-performing teams. First prize is ₹25,000, second prize is ₹15,000, and third prize is ₹10,000, along with certificates of achievement for all winners.
Interested teams must register by April 25, 2026. Submissions for Round 1 are made online, with further instructions provided upon registration.
Highlights
- Open to all students across India; no restriction on institution or discipline.
- Teams of 1-5 members can participate.
- Cash prizes of ₹25,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 for top three teams.
- Focus on defence technologies: robotics, AI, IoT, aerospace, and emerging tech.
- Two-round format: online screening followed by an offline expo at BMSIT&M, Bengaluru.
- Registration deadline: April 25, 2026; expo and finals on April 30, 2026.
Who can apply
The competition is open to students enrolled in various academic institutions across India. Teams must consist of 1 to 5 members. There are no restrictions on field of study or year of study. Students from any discipline who are passionate about defence technology can apply.
Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition closed on 25 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prizes totaling ₹50,000.
- 1st Prize: ₹25,000 + Certificate
- 2nd Prize: ₹15,000 + Certificate
- 3rd Prize: ₹10,000 + Certificate
- Certificates of achievement for all winners.
The competition does not take equity; it's a prize-based competition.
About the provider
Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition is offered by BMS Institute of Technology and Management, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by BMS Institute of Technology and Management as a competition. 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
Round 1 (Online Screening): Teams submit their problem statements, detailed project descriptions, PowerPoint presentations, a 3-5 minute video demonstration, and supporting technical documents. Submissions are reviewed, and shortlisted teams are invited to Round 2.
Round 2 (Final Expo): Held offline at BMS Institute of Technology and Management, Bengaluru. Shortlisted teams present a live physical demonstration of their project, followed by a presentation to an expert evaluation panel and a Q&A session with industry veterans. The final scoring and ranking determine the winners.
The main expo and final presentations are scheduled for April 30, 2026.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition, 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 Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The total cash prize pool is ₹50,000. First prize is ₹25,000, second prize is ₹15,000, and third prize is ₹10,000. Winners also receive certificates.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for registration and Round 1 submissions is April 25, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
The competition is open to students from various institutions across India. Teams must consist of 1 to 5 members. There are no restrictions on field of study or year of study.
What are the project themes or tracks?
Projects should fall under one or more of the following domains: robotics, artificial intelligence, IoT, aerospace, or emerging defence technologies.
Does the competition take equity or ownership in the project?
No, the competition is prize-based. Winners receive cash prizes and certificates, but no equity is taken from their projects.
What documents are needed for Round 1 submission?
Teams need to submit a problem statement, detailed project description, PowerPoint presentation, a 3-5 minute video demonstration, and supporting technical documents.
How are projects evaluated?
Round 1 is an online screening. Shortlisted teams then present a live physical demonstration and a presentation to a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A session. Final scoring and ranking determine the winners.
Where is the final expo held?
The final expo and presentations are held offline at BMS Institute of Technology and Management, Bengaluru.
How do I apply?
Interested teams must register by April 25, 2026 through the provided application link. Submissions for Round 1 are made online, and further instructions are provided upon registration.
Can students from different institutions form a team?
Yes, teams can consist of students from various institutions as long as each member is a student. There is no restriction that all members must be from the same institution.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition?
Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition is offered by BMS Institute of Technology and Management, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition
Not sure Astra Defence Tech Expo 2026- Project Competition is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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