Competition
₹1.5CrUp to
iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF
under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) · by Defence Innovation Organisation
Up to ₹1.5 crore for IAF helicopter glide path landing system.
Closed (9 Mar 2026)
ViewDefence Innovation Organisation
Defence Innovation Organisation is a government body with 8 startup funding programmes on startupfunds. Browse every opportunity below, with eligibility, amounts and how to apply.
8 programsUpdated regularly
Quick answer
Defence Innovation Organisation runs 8 startup funding programs listed on startupfunds, spanning competition and grant funding up to ₹25Cr. None are open for applications at the moment, but many programs reopen for the next cohort.
- Programs listed
- 8
- Funding types
- Competition · Grant
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹25Cr
- Provider type
- Government body
- Sectors funded
- deeptech and space & defence
- Eligible stage
- idea-stage and prototype / mvp
- Geography
- Startups registered in India
- Equity-free
- Some programs take no equity
About Defence Innovation Organisation
The Defence Innovation Organisation is a government entity operating under the Ministry of Defence. It is dedicated to promoting innovation among Indian startups within the defence and aerospace domains. This organisation manages iDEX, recognised as India's leading initiative for fostering startup innovation in these critical sectors.
It provides grant funding to support emerging businesses. Startups can access various programs designed to address specific challenges.
Key programs offered by the Defence Innovation Organisation include:
- iDEX Open Challenge by DIO, providing grants up to ₹1.5 crore.
- Defence India Startup Challenge 14 (DISC 14), with grants available up to ₹1.5 crore.
- ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX, offering grants up to ₹25 crore.
- iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF, which provides grants up to ₹1.5 crore.
- iDEX Prime Re Open, offering grants up to ₹10 crore.
What Defence Innovation Organisation funds
Filters that match Defence Innovation Organisation's programs — tap one to see every grant in that category.
Programs from Defence Innovation Organisation
Defence Innovation Organisation has no programs open right now — see past programs below, or check back soon.
Past & closed programs
Recently closed — many run again, so they're worth tracking for the next cohort.
Grant
₹25CrUp to
ADITI 2.0 (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) - Defence Grant
under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) · by Defence Innovation Organisation
MoD-iDEX grants up to ₹25Cr for startups and MSMEs to develop cutting-edge defence technologies, such as Adaptive Camouflage, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Closed (30 Oct 2025)
ViewGrant
₹1.5CrUp to
Defence India Startup Challenge 14 (DISC 14) - Defence Innovation Organisation
by Defence Innovation Organisation
Defence India Startup Challenge 14 offers grants up to ₹1.5 crore for startups and MSMEs solving 82 military problem statements.
Closed (4 May 2026)
ViewGrant
Varies
iDEX Open Challenge
under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) · by Defence Innovation Organisation
iDEX Open Challenge invites innovators and startups to propose defence and security solutions for India.
Closed (31 Aug 2025)
ViewGrant
₹25CrUp to
ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX
under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) · by Defence Innovation Organisation
A defence deeptech grant program by iDEX, offering up to ₹25 crore to startups and MSMEs developing innovative solutions for military challenges.
Closed (4 May 2026)
ViewCompetition
₹10CrUp to
iDEX Prime Re Open
under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) · by Defence Innovation Organisation
Up to ₹10 crore for IAF deep-tech defence challenges.
Closed (9 Mar 2026)
ViewCompetition
₹1.5CrUp to
Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots
by Defence Innovation Organisation
iDEX DISC 12 offers grants up to ₹1.5 Crore to MSMEs, startups, and innovators for developing an inflight urination device for female fighter pilots, addressing a critical combat requirement by AFMS.
Closed (15 Jul 2026)
ViewCompetition
₹1.5CrUp to
iDEX Open Challenge by DIO
under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) · by Defence Innovation Organisation
Up to ₹1.5 crore equity-free defence grant for Indian startups, innovators, and MSMEs.
Closed (30 Jun 2026)
ViewFrequently asked questions
What founders ask about funding from Defence Innovation Organisation.
How many funding programs does Defence Innovation Organisation offer?
Defence Innovation Organisation currently lists 8 startup funding programs on startupfunds, though none are open for applications at the moment. New cohorts are added as Defence Innovation Organisation announces them.
What type of funding does Defence Innovation Organisation provide?
Defence Innovation Organisation backs startups through competition and grant funding, and some of its programs are equity-free (no equity is taken in return). Funding is typically up to ₹25Cr.
How much funding can a startup get from Defence Innovation Organisation?
Defence Innovation Organisation's programs offer up to ₹25Cr. The exact amount depends on the specific program, stage and your startup's needs.
Who is eligible for Defence Innovation Organisation funding?
Defence Innovation Organisation's programs are open to startups registered in India, typically at the idea-stage and prototype / mvp stage, across deeptech and space & defence. Each program lists its own eligibility — check the one you're interested in below.
How do I apply to Defence Innovation Organisation programs?
Pick the Defence Innovation Organisation program you're interested in from the list below to see its eligibility, funding amount, deadline and step-by-step how-to-apply guide. Applications are submitted through Defence Innovation Organisation's official channels; you can also reach their official site from the top of this page.
Browse more startup funding
Compare Defence Innovation Organisation's programs against the wider funding landscape.