₹1.5 Crore for Defence & Aerospace Startups by Indian Govt. | Apply Now

Indian startups, innovators, and MSMEs can receive up to ₹1.5 crore in funding through the iDEX Open Challenge. Applications are open for startups building AI, drones, robotics, cybersecurity, aerospace, quantum technologies, and other advanced defence solutions.

Building advanced technology isn't easy.

Whether you're developing AI systems, autonomous drones, robotics platforms, cybersecurity solutions, or aerospace innovations, turning a breakthrough idea into a deployable product requires significant resources.

That's where the iDEX Open Challenge comes in.

Backed by the Government of India, iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) is helping startups, innovators, and MSMEs build the next generation of defence and aerospace technologies.

Selected applicants can receive funding support of up to ₹1.5 crore along with mentorship, incubation, testing opportunities, and direct access to defence stakeholders.

If you're building cutting-edge technology with defence applications, this is one opportunity you shouldn't ignore.

What's In It For You?

Selected applicants can receive:

✅ Up to ₹1.5 crore funding support

✅ Access to defence organizations and stakeholders

✅ Mentorship from industry and defence experts

✅ Incubation and innovation support

✅ Product testing opportunities

✅ Exposure to real-world defence challenges

✅ Potential pathway to large-scale deployment

Unlike traditional fundraising, founders can gain funding and validation from actual end users of the technology.

Focus Areas

The program is looking for innovative solutions in areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Drones & Unmanned Systems

• Robotics

• Aerospace Technologies

• Cybersecurity

• Quantum Technologies

• Autonomous Systems

• Defence Electronics

• DeepTech Innovations

• Advanced Manufacturing

If your startup is solving a complex technological problem with defence or aerospace relevance, you may be a strong fit.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you are:

• A DPIIT-recognized Indian Startup

• An Individual Innovator

• A Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME)

• Building technology relevant to defence or aerospace sectors

The program welcomes both early-stage and growth-stage innovators.

Whether you have an idea, prototype, or working product, you can apply if your solution demonstrates innovation and practical potential.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Many startup grants only provide funding.

iDEX goes a step further.

The program gives founders access to defence organizations that can help validate, test, and potentially adopt their technology.

For deep-tech startups, customer access is often harder than building the product itself.

This opportunity helps bridge that gap while providing funding support along the way.

Important Things To Know

• Maximum funding support: ₹1.5 Crore

• Open to startups, innovators, and MSMEs

• Focused on defence and aerospace innovations

• Supports both early-stage and growth-stage applicants

• Includes mentorship, incubation, and testing support

• Opportunity to engage directly with defence stakeholders

Key Details

Funding Amount: Up to ₹1.5 Crore

Startup Stage: Early-Stage to Growth-Stage

Eligible Applicants: Startups, Individual Innovators, MSMEs

Focus Areas: AI, Drones, Robotics, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Quantum Tech, Autonomous Systems, Defence Technologies

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

How To Apply

1. Visit the official application page.

2. Review the challenge requirements carefully.

3. Prepare your proposal and supporting documents.

4. Submit your application before the deadline.

👉 Application Link: Click Here

Pro Tip

Focus your application on the problem you're solving, the technology behind your solution, and its potential defence impact. Strong proposals clearly demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and real-world applicability.

Final Thoughts

Government-backed opportunities offering funding, mentorship, testing support, and direct access to potential customers are rare.

If you're building in AI, drones, robotics, aerospace, cybersecurity, quantum technology, or any other advanced defence sector, the iDEX Open Challenge could provide the resources and validation needed to accelerate your startup.

For founders building technologies that can strengthen India's defence capabilities, this is an opportunity worth exploring before the application deadline.

Fundizr

India's #1 platform for startup funding opportunities.