Startup-specific scheme · Ministry of Defence / Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI)
ADITI 4.0 (launched Mar 2026; 25 problem statements; grant up to 50% of product development budget, max ₹25 crore) closed 4 May 2026. ADITI budget ₹750 crore for 2023–26.
- Amount
- Grant up to ₹25 crore
- Type of support
- Grant, Incubation
- Best for
- Prototype / PoC
- Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startups, Early-stage startups, Aspiring founders
ADITI is a government program that supports startups and innovators in building new defence and aerospace technologies so India can become more self-reliant and technologically advanced.
Who can apply?
- DPIIT recognised startups.
- Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013.
- Individual innovators can also apply.
What do you get?
- For Partner Incubators: The limit of payment amounting to ₹9 lakh per PI, based on facilitation/completion of each milestone of their associated challenge winner.
- For Startups/Innovators: Quantum of Grant up to 50% of product development budget (PDB) with maximum limit of ₹25 crore, leading to a PDB around ₹50 crore or beyond.
How to apply
Visit https://idex.gov.in/ for more information.
Objectives
The ADITI Scheme aims to facilitate rapid development of strategically critical technologies which are sensitive and innovative from the defence perspective and required by the country. Under this, relevant Challenges/Hackathons are organized for startups to seek solutions for problem statements pertaining to the earmarked technology. Winners of the ADITI challenges are incubated by Partner Incubators (PIs).
Key links
- Website idex.gov.in
- Operational guidelines idex.gov.in
Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.
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- NQMSeed, prototype and scale-up funding for quantum technology startups and R&D routed through NQM Thematic Hubs.Active