Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots

The Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) has re-opened the Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (DISC 12) under its iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative. This challenge specifically addresses Problem Statement 35 from the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS): the development of an inflight urination device for female fighter pilots. Multirole fighter aircraft are designed for long-duration missions, and the physiological need to urinate inflight is a critical combat requirement. While male pilots use condom catheters, no equivalent solution exists for female pilots due to anatomical differences and compatibility issues with existing ejection seat restraint systems. Off-the-shelf products are either incompatible or untested for aircraft use.

This gap restricts the operational effectiveness of female fighter pilots during long sorties and in harsh climatic conditions. The challenge seeks a non-invasive, wearable device that channels, collects, and solidifies urine using advanced materials, suction pumps, battery packs, and urobags. It must be fully compatible with the Aircrew Equipment Assembly, fighter cockpit, five-point harness, and ejection seats of all fighter aircraft in the Indian inventory. Successful innovations will not only meet a critical defence need but also have potential civilian applications for bedridden patients and possibly human space missions.

By reopening this challenge, iDEX reinforces its commitment to leveraging India's startup and innovation ecosystem to solve pressing defence problems. The program provides substantial financial support, incubation, mentorship, and regulatory guidance to help innovators bring their solutions to market and contribute to national security.

• Grant funding up to ₹1.5 Crore
• Focus on female fighter pilot urination device
• Problem statement by AFMS (Armed Forces Medical Services)
• CEMILAC certification required for airworthiness
• Potential for defence and civilian market adoption
• Open to MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators

The iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open challenge is open to Indian MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators who can develop a non-invasive inflight urination device for female fighter pilots as specified by the AFMS. Applicants must focus on Problem Statement 35 and bring innovative technology to meet stringent defence requirements. There are no restrictions on industry, state, or entity type beyond being Indian. DPIIT and MSME registration are not explicitly required but may be beneficial. Founders can be individuals or teams.

Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of 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 Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of 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 innovators receive a grant of up to ₹1.5 Crore to develop and refine their solution. Additional support includes:

• Incubation support to nurture the product from concept to prototype.
• Expert mentorship from defence and medical professionals.
• Regulatory guidance to help navigate certifications such as CEMILAC, MILSPEC, BIS, QCI, and DGAQA standards.
• Market access to the Indian defence market and potential export opportunities, along with civilian applications in healthcare and space missions.

Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots 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.

Applications undergo a multi-stage selection process:

1. Initial Screening: A panel of experts from iDEX, AFMS, and defence organizations reviews proposals for novelty, technical feasibility, impact, alignment with requirements, and team capability.
2. Presentation Round: Shortlisted innovators present their solutions and prototypes to a grand jury or high-level selection committee. This allows for detailed questioning and deeper evaluation of technology and business plan.
3. Final Selection: The committee selects winners to receive grants and support.

Before you apply to Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of 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.

Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of 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.