iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF

The iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF is a defence innovation challenge under the Innovations for Defence Excellence framework, managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation under the Ministry of Defence. This re-opened edition focuses on a single problem statement from the Indian Air Force: developing a Helicopter Electronic Glide Path-based Landing System. The goal is to enhance landing capabilities at helipads, especially in hilly terrain and low-visibility conditions where visual references are currently relied upon. The system should be transportable, configurable, and able to generate an electronic glide path, with failure monitoring, degradation alerts, and compatibility with aircraft Instrument Landing Systems. It may use novel ground-based equipment, support non-standard glide path angles, and provide visual or aural failure warnings. The expected deliverable is a deployable prototype enabling safe helicopter landings in poor visibility, with potential future adaptation for transport-class aircraft at Advanced Landing Grounds.

• Grant funding up to ₹1.5 crore for developing a Helicopter Electronic Glide Path Landing System.
• Challenge issued by the Indian Air Force under the iDEX DISC framework.
• Open to Indian MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators.
• Designed to enable safe helicopter landings at helipads in hilly terrain and poor visibility.
• Solution must be transportable, configurable, and compatible with Instrument Landing Systems.

This challenge is open to Indian MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators. Applicants must propose a solution that directly addresses the specific problem statement issued by the Indian Air Force, covering all technical requirements such as electronic glide path generation, failure monitoring, transportability, and ILS compatibility.

iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF closed on 9 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected participants receive grant funding of up to ₹1.5 crore to support the design, development, and prototyping of their solution. The grant is provided under the iDEX framework to help innovators turn their concepts into deployable prototypes.

iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF is offered by Defence Innovation Organisation, 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.

Before you apply to iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF, 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) – IAF 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.