What iDEX - DIO does

iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), executed through its Special Purpose Vehicle Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), is a Government of India initiative established in 2018 under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Its core function is to bridge India's defence capability gaps by funding, mentoring, and procuring innovation from startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators, and then delivering those solutions to the Indian Armed Forces. The organisation serves two primary user groups: (a) defence-tech startups and innovators seeking non-dilutive funding, technical mentorship, and a direct procurement pathway, and (b) the Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, ISRO, and 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) acting as 'problem owners' who issue challenges and absorb validated technologies.

The operational technology stack comprises several interconnected platforms: DISC (Defence Innovation and Startup Challenge) and ADITI (iDEX Accelerating Defence Innovation Through Innovation) for challenge-based funding, iDEX PRIME for late-stage scaling, SPARK for open innovation, INDUS X for India-US defence-tech collaboration, DRISHTI for engagement, and Mission DefSpace for space-based defence capabilities. A proprietary Technology Watch Tool continuously scans global defence technology developments to inform challenge formulation. Project Ekam, launched in 2025, is positioned as India's AI-first defence strategy, while ADITI 2.0 specifically targets AI-driven defence startups, signalling clear strategic intent to develop indigenous AI capabilities. Notable technical and institutional components include direct MoUs with DRDO, ISRO, SKEGEN, and EdCIL, and an ABD (Advisory) structure chaired by the Defence Minister with senior private-sector participation.

The business model is non-commercial: iDEX-DIO is funded through government budgetary allocation (~Rs 499 crore in Defence Budget 2025-26) and disburses grants to selected startups via milestone-based challenges. The organisation does not earn revenue; instead, it deploys taxpayer capital into the defence innovation pipeline and facilitates procurement contracts between successful startups and the Armed Forces/DPSUs. To date, 676 startups have been onboarded, 548 contracts signed, and 45 procurement contracts worth Rs 2,326 crore executed, with the SKEGEN partnership adding a Rs 500 crore private-sector commitment. The unit economics of iDEX-DIO are therefore measured in capital deployment efficiency and procurement conversion rate rather than revenue or margin.

Name

iDEX - DIO

Legal name

Defence Innovation Organisation

Website

https://idex.gov.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

iDEX-DIO is a Government of India Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Defence that funds, mentors, and procures innovation from defence-tech startups and MSMEs, delivering validated solutions to the Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, ISRO, and 16 DPSUs via challenge-based platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defence Innovation Programs

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), National Security (928110)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Results-Based Financing (RBF) & Performance-Based Grants (BPADAOAF)

Keywords

• Defence innovation programs
• Startup challenge funding
• Defence procurement facilitation
• Armed forces R&D
• Indigenous defence development

Headquarters

HQ city

New Delhi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Disbursement (ADITI/DISC): iDEX provides government grants to startups and MSMEs for R&D development with potential for future defence adoption. Under ADITI scheme, grants range from ₹1.5 crore to ₹25 crore for deep-tech solutions.
2. Procurement Contracts: iDEX facilitates procurement contracts for successfully developed prototypes. 45 procurement contracts worth Rs 2,326 crore have been completed, with 58 prototypes cleared for procurement worth Rs 3,853 crore.
3. Private Investment Facilitation: iDEX facilitates private equity investment into defence startups through partnerships with investors like SKEGEN Asset Management, which committed Rs 500 crore investment including Rs 360 crore for Sagar Defence Engineering and Zeus Numerix.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

iDEX-DIO administers challenge-based R&D funding programs that connect Indian Armed Forces operational requirements with startups, MSMEs, and innovators. It issues grants (Rs 1.5 crore under DISC; Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 25 crore under ADITI for deep-tech; Rs 10 crore under iDEX PRIME; early-stage support via SPARK) and facilitates the pathway from prototype development to defence procurement contracts, having signed 548 contracts and completed 45 procurement contracts worth Rs 2,326 crore since 2018.

Product overview

iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) is a comprehensive defence innovation ecosystem operated by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under India's Ministry of Defence. The platform functions as a hub connecting over 676 startups and MSMEs with Indian armed forces requirements through multiple challenge-based programs. The core offerings include the DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge) series providing grants up to Rs. 1.5 crore, the ADITI scheme offering ₹1.5 crore to ₹25 crore for deep-tech solutions, and iDEX PRIME with Rs. 10 crore grants for advanced challenges. The ecosystem also includes SPARK for early-stage funding, INDUS X for India-US collaborative technology, and DRISHTI Challenges with 101 problem statements from defence DPSUs. Notable success stories include the High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite System (HAPS), Dronaam counter-drone system, Integrated Mobile Camouflage System (IMCS), and Fire Fighting BOT. The platform supports 35+ technology domains spanning AI/ML, drone technology, autonomous systems, radar, communications, and aerospace.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge): Flagship challenge program inviting startups, MSMEs and innovators to create prototypes and commercialize products for national defence and security
• ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX)
• iDEX Prime
• SPARK
• Mission DefSpace

Products and services

• iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) Platform Digital portal under the Ministry of Defence that connects defence startups, MSMEs, and innovators with Indian Armed Forces requirements through challenge-based programs, providing grants and procurement pathways for indigenous defence technology development.
• DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge) Series of challenge programs inviting startups and MSMEs to develop solutions for specific Indian Armed Forces needs, currently in its 14th edition (DISC 14 with 82 problem statements) offering grants up to Rs 1.5 crore per winner for prototyping and commercialization.
• ADITI Scheme Deep-tech innovation scheme offering grants of Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 25 crore for solutions in AI, quantum computing, and autonomous systems, currently in ADITI 4 edition with 101 DRISHTI challenges from defence PSUs.
• iDEX PRIME Advanced challenge program with grant amount of Rs 10 crore for complex problem statements requiring deeper technological development in space, defence electronics, and advanced manufacturing areas, including the Mission DefSpace space technology track.
• SPARK Grants Early-stage funding program under iDEX supporting startups with grants to develop proof-of-concept and prototype solutions for defence requirements, such as the SPARK grant to Pixxel for hyperspectral and MWIR payload development under iDEX DISC 8 Challenge.
• INDUS X Mutual Promotion of Advanced Collaborative Technologies program between India and the USA, facilitating cross-border defence technology collaboration, IMPACT Challenges, and startup partnerships for mutually beneficial defence innovation.
• DRISHTI Challenges Programme featuring 101 problem statements issued by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) for startups and MSMEs to develop indigenous solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 676 startups and MSMEs joined defence innovation ecosystem since 2018
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• EdCIL (India) Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2025iDEX-DIO signed MoU with EdCIL under ASPIRE program to foster dual-use technologies. MoU signed by Joint Secretary (DIP) & Additional CEO, DIO Shri Amit Satija to promote technology transfer and commercialization.
• DRDOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between DRDO and iDEX for technology development. DRDO participates in technical sessions at industry conclaves covering artillery, naval platforms, missile systems, semiconductor manufacturing and smart manufacturing.
• ISROcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with ISRO for space defence capabilities. ISRO's commercial arm NSIL markets satellite data globally. DRDO, ISRO, and private sector leaders collaborate to develop resilient, self-reliant defence infrastructure.
• Atal Innovation MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog to support Defence India Startup Challenge, aimed at supporting Startups/MSMEs/Innovators to create prototypes and commercialize products in National Defence and Security.
• Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner16 DPSUs including BEL, HAL, GRSE, GSL, HSL, MDL, MIDHANI, BEML, MIL, TCL, AVNL, AWEIL, BDL, GIL, YIL, DSA listed as stakeholders participating in iDEX challenge programs and procurement.
• INDUS XcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINDUS X (Mutual Promotion of Advanced Collaborative Technologies) IMPACT Challenges promoting breakthrough innovations between India and partner nations for defence technology collaboration.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): India's primary defence R&D agency, mentioned as a core iDEX partner. While iDEX focuses on startup/MSME engagement, DRDO covers the full spectrum of defence research including large-scale platform development, providing a complementary but overlapping mandate.
• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): Indian DPSU and registered office host for iDEX-DIO. As a major defence electronics manufacturer, BEL is both a stakeholder and a potential customer for iDEX startups, providing an incumbent comparison point for defence innovation in India.

Regional players

• Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog): Indian government initiative fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across sectors. Listed as a core iDEX partner supporting defence startups. Comparable as a government-backed innovation ecosystem platform but broader in scope beyond defence.
• Israel Innovation Authority (Defense R&D Directorate): Israeli government body funding defence and dual-use R&D through grants to startups and researchers. Comparable as a government-backed defence innovation funding entity but operating within Israel's ecosystem rather than India's.

Direct peers

• Defense Innovation Unit (DIU): US Department of Defense organisation that accelerates commercial technology adoption by matching private-sector innovation with national defence needs. Directly comparable in mission: government-backed entity connecting defence requirements with startup/MSME capabilities through challenge-based programs.
• AFWERX (US Air Force): US Air Force innovation arm running challenge programs (AFVentures, SBIR Open Topics) connecting airmen requirements with startup capabilities. Closest US analog in operating model: a service-specific defence innovation accelerator with challenge-based contracts.
• SRIJAN Portal (Department of Defence Production): Indian MoD indigenisation portal listing defence items previously imported for domestic manufacturing. Operates a parallel government-backed defence indigenisation pathway to iDEX, focusing on established industry rather than startups but addressing overlapping objectives.
• Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA): UK Ministry of Defence organisation funding innovative research and development to maintain UK defence and security advantage. Operates a similar challenge-based grant model connecting defence requirements with innovators, including dual-use technologies.
• Technology Development Fund (TDF) - DRDO: DRDO-established fund providing grants to Indian startups and MSMEs for defence R&D. Directly competes for the same pool of defence startups iDEX targets, offering an alternative funding pathway with overlapping challenge-based grant structure.

Emerging players

• NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic): NATO's emerging accelerator for transatlantic defence and security innovation, operating challenge programs and dual-use technology investment. Comparable as a government-backed defence innovation platform but operating at the alliance rather than national level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/India_iDEX
• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=46kNyj_GO24&t=4s
• Facebookfacebook.com/IDEX-DIO
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/idex-dio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments9 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about iDEX - DIO