DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)

The DRISHTI Challenges, an acronym for "DPSU-driven Research & Innovation for Strategic and High-impact Technology Integration," is a significant defence innovation initiative spearheaded by various Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) across India. Its primary goal is to accelerate the development of indigenous technology by directly linking real-world defence requirements with innovative solutions from startups and technology developers.

This program features a comprehensive list of 101 problem statements that have been identified by major DPSUs. These include prominent entities such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), among others. The challenges cover a broad spectrum of advanced defence and industrial technologies, encompassing areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, aerospace components, naval systems, electronic warfare, materials engineering, and manufacturing innovations.

Each specific challenge within the DRISHTI initiative is fully owned, funded, and managed by its respective DPSU. The financial support provided varies depending on the complexity and scope of the proposed solution, with indicative development budgets ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore. This decentralized funding model ensures that projects are closely aligned with operational needs and have a higher probability of successful real-world deployment.

The initiative places a strong emphasis on design-led innovation, encouraging participants to create solutions that are entirely indigenous. This approach aims to reduce India's reliance on imported defence technologies and bolster the nation's self-reliance. Beyond financial aid, selected innovators gain invaluable access to domain experts, specialized testing environments, pathways for certification, and potential procurement opportunities directly from the DPSUs.

Strategically, DRISHTI is instrumental in advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by fostering domestic capabilities in critical sectors. It provides a unique platform for startups and innovators to contribute to mission-critical technologies with direct applications in defence and strategic industries, thereby establishing avenues for long-term collaboration and commercialization.

• DPSU-led innovation challenges for defence sector.
• Grants ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore available.
• Focus on deeptech, hardware, AI/ML, aerospace, and naval solutions.
• Access to domain experts, testing, and potential procurement.
• Supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence.
• Application deadline is 2026-05-04.

The DRISHTI Challenges are open to a wide range of participants, including innovators, startups, and technology developers who possess the capability to address the specific problem statements issued by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

Applicants must ensure their proposed solutions directly align with one or more of the 101 listed problem statements. The program has a strong focus on advanced technological domains such as deeptech, hardware, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), aerospace, naval systems, electronics, and manufacturing.

Prospective participants are expected to demonstrate the capability to design, develop, and prototype their solutions. Furthermore, applicants should be equipped to meet the rigorous engineering and testing requirements typically associated with defence-grade projects.

DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) 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 DRISHTI Challenges receive substantial financial support directly from the participating Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). The development budgets for selected solutions range from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore, depending on the project's scope and complexity.

In addition to monetary grants, selected innovators gain crucial access to a suite of non-financial benefits. These include:

• Access to domain experts for guidance and mentorship.
• Utilization of specialized testing environments to validate their solutions.
• Support with certification pathways, essential for defence-grade technologies.
• Potential procurement opportunities directly from the DPSUs, creating a clear path for commercialization and long-term collaboration.

DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) is offered by Defence Public Sector Undertakings, 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 DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), 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.

DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L – ₹10Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.