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How to Apply for iDEX Open Challenge
How to apply
iDEX Open Challenge accepts applications online through the official portal before the 30 Jun 2026 deadline. Follow the steps below — and always confirm the latest details on the official source before you apply.
How to apply
- 1Proposal submission
- 2Eligibility & fit screening
- 3Technical evaluation
- 4Grand Jury pitch
- 5Contracting & milestone-based disbursement
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process for the iDEX Open Challenge is structured into several progressive stages to identify the most promising defence and aerospace innovations.
- Proposal submission: Innovators submit their detailed proposals outlining their technology and its defence applicability.
- Eligibility and fit screening: Initial screening assesses proposals for adherence to basic eligibility criteria and alignment with defence/aerospace use cases.
- Technical evaluation: Subject matter experts conduct a thorough technical evaluation of shortlisted proposals, assessing their feasibility, novelty, and potential impact.
- Grand Jury pitch: Innovators whose proposals pass the technical evaluation are invited to present their solutions to the iDEX Grand Jury. This stage allows for direct interaction and detailed assessment.
- Contracting and milestone-based disbursement: Successful innovators are awarded milestone-based grant contracts. Funds are disbursed in tranches as predefined project milestones are achieved, ensuring progress and accountability. The evaluation specifically considers the novelty of the technology, its applicability to defence, the capability of the team, and the feasibility of demonstrating the solution.