Innovations for Defence Excellence

Innovations for Defence Excellence is a central government scheme built to create a strong ecosystem for technology development in the defence and aerospace sectors. It helps Indian startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and academic institutions by giving financial grants under the SPARK framework to build working prototypes for the Indian Armed Forces. As of August 2026, the scheme is open and the government continues to run new Defence India Startup Challenges through the official iDEX portal.

Innovations for Defence Excellence - Introduction

Innovations for Defence Excellence, commonly called iDEX, is a main driver for a self-reliant defence sector in India. The scheme was launched in May 2021 by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence with a budget support of about ₹498.78 crore for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. It engages startups, MSMEs, and researchers to co-create solutions for modern defence needs.

This scheme gives grants ranging from ₹1.50 Crore to ₹10 Crore (for iDEX Prime) to support prototype development and research. By taking part, you help strengthen national security through home-grown technology.

The scheme works through two key frameworks:

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Focuses on projects by startups and MSMEs with low capital needs but high innovation value.
• Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme: Uses the domestic skills of Indian industries and MSMEs under the DRDO.

iDEX works as the executive arm of the DIO, which gives high-level policy guidance. Together, they close the gap between military needs and private innovation.

Key Information

Benefits

You can get the SPARK (Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart) grant to fund your projects. Under this, you receive up to ₹1.50 Crore for standard projects or up to ₹10 Crore for iDEX Prime initiatives. You also get mentorship and incubation support through partner incubators.

These partners help you with:

• Mentorship and accelerator programs to grow your startup.
• Access to defence testing facilities.
• Guidance on selling your technology for national defence needs.

By taking part, you get a clear path for procurement under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, so your innovation can reach the Armed Forces.

Eligibility

To qualify for the SPARK grant, you should meet the following criteria:

• Startups: must be recognised by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• MSMEs: any Indian entity incorporated under the Companies Act 1956 or 2013, mainly working as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise.
• Individual Innovators: you are welcome to apply, but you should register as a startup before signing the final grant agreement.

For example, if Rahul is an individual researcher with a drone idea, he can apply today and form his company later once his project is selected for the SPARK grant.

Application Process

You should apply online for the various Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC). Keep your business documents ready and follow the official steps.

STEP 1 - Go to the official iDEX portal at portal.idex.gov.in and look at the current challenges under the challenges section.

STEP 2 - Choose a problem statement that matches your idea and open its details to check the focus area and funding level.

STEP 3 - Fill in the application with your single point of contact details, entity details (for startups and MSMEs), and your technical and financial proposal.

STEP 4 - Submit the complete application online and note the reference number for future tracking.

For more scheme details, you can also visit the official page of iDEX on the Department of Defence Production website.

Documents

You should have the following documents ready for your application:

• Company Incorporation Certificate, Articles of Association, and Memorandum of Association.
• DPIIT registration certificate or a valid MSME registration certificate.
• Latest audited balance sheet, profit and loss statements, and Income Tax Returns.
• Government-issued photo ID card of the key applicant.

References

Official iDEX Portal

iDEX Details on Department of Defence Production

FAQ's

What is iDEX?

iDEX is the working framework of the Defence Innovation Organisation. It acts as a bridge between the Indian Armed Forces and innovative private firms to drive technology self-reliance.

Who can apply?

Startups recognised by DPIIT, Indian MSMEs, and individual innovators who plan to form a company are eligible to take part in the scheme.

How does the grant process work?

The grant is given based on milestones. Once your proposal is selected, a technical appraisal decides your budget, and funds are released in tranches as you meet pre-defined project goals.

What is SPARK?

SPARK is the funding framework under which you receive grants to build prototypes for the defence and aerospace sector.

Does iDEX require a matching contribution?

Yes, as a grant receiver, you are expected to give a matching contribution in the form of cash, in-kind resources, or past spending to show your commitment to the success of the project.