IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund

IIMA Ventures, in collaboration with Jaivel Aerospace, has launched the Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund to identify and scale early-stage startups building deeptech solutions for India's aerospace and defence sectors. The program aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and boost self-reliance by investing in dual-use technologies—innovations applicable in both civilian and military contexts.

Focus areas include autonomy, propulsion, AI, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, and secure systems. Startups at the pre-seed or seed stage can receive up to ₹3.7 crore (USD 400,000) in equity funding, addressing the critical capital gap that often hinders early-stage deeptech ventures. The program also provides access to advanced development facilities, global manufacturing networks, and industry collaborations.

Founders receive mentorship from international experts in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing. The fund aims to build a portfolio of 8–10 companies that demonstrate measurable impact on national security, export potential, and technological leadership. Emphasis is placed on reducing time-to-market and supporting founders in validating prototypes and scaling them into commercial products.

• Equity funding up to ₹3.7 crore (USD 400K) per startup
• Focus on deeptech in aerospace, defence, and space-tech
• Rolling applications with no fixed deadline
• Includes mentorship, labs, and industry network access
• Targets dual-use technologies with commercial and strategic value
• Collaboration between IIMA Ventures and Jaivel Aerospace

Eligible startups must be at the pre-seed or seed stage and seeking early institutional investment. The company should be registered in India or in the active process of incorporation. Sector focus is on aerospace, defence, and space-tech domains with a deeptech orientation. Specific technology areas include autonomy, propulsion, AI, advanced materials, manufacturing, and secure systems.

The founding team must demonstrate strong intent to leverage mentorship and industry networks for scaling. Solutions should have dual-use potential, export scalability, and measurable national impact. Startups should satisfy standard investment requirements such as sound IP strategy and honest diligence.

IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in space drone defense. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as llp and private limited.

IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

Selected startups receive up to ₹3.7 crore (USD 400,000) in pre-seed or seed equity investment. Along with funding, the program provides deep ecosystem support including access to advanced development facilities, global manufacturing networks, and industry partnerships. Founders receive hands-on mentorship from global experts in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and product development.

IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund is offered by IIMA Ventures, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIMA Ventures as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are evaluated jointly by IIMA Ventures and Jaivel Aerospace based on the technology depth of the startup, its dual-use relevance to aerospace and defence, and its potential for commercial scale. Shortlisted startups undergo detailed due diligence before an investment offer is made. Up to 10 companies are selected to form the fund's portfolio, receiving structured ecosystem support alongside capital.

Before you apply to IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as llp and private limited
• 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.

IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund is best suited for idea and product-stage space drone defense startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹3.7Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.