iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots

The iDEX DISC 12 challenge, managed by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has been re-opened to tackle a pressing operational need. The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has identified a critical gap: female fighter pilots lack a suitable inflight urination device. While male pilots use condom catheters, no comparable solution exists for women that works with ejection seats and fighter cockpit constraints. This gap limits mission endurance and operational readiness.

The challenge seeks innovative, non-invasive wearable devices that integrate with the Aircrew Equipment Assembly and fighter aircraft systems. The solution should use advanced materials, suction pumps, battery packs, and urobags for collection and solidification. Beyond defence, the technology could benefit bedridden patients by reducing long-term catheter use and infection risks. Successful development will strengthen Indian Air Force capabilities and open defence export opportunities.

• Grant funding up to ₹1.5 crore
• Focus on defence innovation for female fighter pilots
• Technical guidance from Armed Forces Medical Services
• Pathway to CEMILAC certification
• Potential for dual-use (defence & civilian) applications

This challenge is open to MSMEs, startups, and innovators (individuals or teams). Applicants must propose a solution specifically for the problem statement: "Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots." The proposed device must be non-invasive, wearable within the Aircrew Equipment Assembly, and fully compatible with fighter cockpits and ejection seat restraint systems. Developers must adhere to applicable MILSPEC, BIS, QCI, or DGQA reference standards for design and manufacturing. The final product will require CEMILAC certification for airworthiness. No specific DPIIT or MSME registration is mandated in the provided details, but MSMEs are explicitly listed as eligible.

iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Applications for iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots are open and the current deadline is Closes today. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.

Selected participants receive a grant of up to ₹1.5 crore — non-repayable funding to accelerate research, development, prototyping, and testing. Beyond financial support, teams gain direct technical guidance from the Armed Forces Medical Services and iDEX experts. The program also provides assistance with regulatory and certification processes, including CEMILAC and DGAQA standards, which are essential for airworthiness. This comprehensive support reduces development risk and paves the way for market entry in both defence and civilian sectors.

iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots is offered by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), a government body. As a government-backed competition, 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.

Applications are evaluated in multiple stages by a panel from iDEX, the Department of Defence Production, and the Armed Forces Medical Services. Initial screening assesses technical feasibility, innovativeness, and alignment with the challenge brief. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their concepts and detailed plans. Evaluation criteria include the uniqueness of the technology, scientific merit, team capabilities, development roadmap clarity, and potential for defence integration and certification compliance (e.g., CEMILAC, DGAQA). The most promising solutions with high impact potential are selected for grant funding.

Before you apply to iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots, 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.

iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.