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iDEX Defence Innovation
Ministry of Defence Initiative

Powering India's
Defence Innovation
Ecosystem

The iDEX initiative envisions self-reliance for India in the Defence sector — fostering innovation through startups, MSMEs, research institutions, and individual innovators.

₹22Cr
Total Project Value
₹10Cr
IDEX Prime Grant
1
MSME Supported
iDEX Event
iDEX event at AIC-RNTU

Fueling Defence-Tech Innovations Across India

The iDEX initiative — a scheme by the honourable Ministry of Defence — envisions self-reliance for India in the Defence sector. It aims to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and technological development, involving R&D institutes, universities, industrial companies, startups, and individual innovators.

Selected iDEX Winners receive substantial funding in the form of grant, equity, debt, or other relevant structures — disbursed in tranches based on milestones decided by a high-powered selection committee.

Up to ₹1.5 Cr
Under DISC
Up to ₹10 Cr
Under iDEX Prime
Up to ₹1.5 Cr
Under Open Challenge
Up to ₹25 Cr
Under ADITI
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A Glimpse from Our Events

Moments captured from our iDEX workshops, demo days, and defence innovation events.

iDEX Portfolio

Our incubated startup transforming India's Defence & Aerospace ecosystem through cutting-edge innovation.

Light Guide Optics Pvt. Ltd. logo
Winners under iDEX Prime

Light Guide Optics Pvt. Ltd.

Building High Resolution Optical Telescope

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for iDEX Challenges?
  • Start-ups recognised by DIPP, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
  • MSMEs — any Indian company incorporated under Companies Act 1956/2013
  • Individual innovators (research & academic institutions can apply here)
How to apply for iDEX?
  • Go to https://idex.gov.in/
  • Click on iDEX Challenges and select relevant category
  • Fill the application form and upload documents
  • Submit the application
What are the eligible expenditures under the SPARK Grant?
  • Research & Development
  • Prototyping
  • Pilot Implementation
  • Market Assessment
Will I get prototyping support from AIC-RNTU?
  • AIC-RNTU provides access to labs and manufacturing facilities on premises
  • Industrial and corporate collaborations are also facilitated
Can AIC-RNTU help me file my application?
  • Yes — guidance is provided to startups to help apply for challenges
Is matching contribution required for the SPARK Grant?
  • Yes, a matching contribution is required from the applicant
  • AIC-RNTU connects eligible startups with investors for funding
Will AIC-RNTU help me get matching contribution?
  • AIC-RNTU has partnered with multiple investors
  • Eligible startups will be provided opportunities to connect with investors
Will I get networking opportunities through AIC-RNTU?
  • Yes — AIC-RNTU provides multiple networking opportunities
  • World-class exposure and busine ss expansion events are regularly hosted

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for knowledge sessions, demo days, and exclusive networking events for defence startups.

📚

Knowledge Series

AIC-RNTU Foundation is coming up shortly with a knowledge series covering various topics for startups building solutions for Defence and Aerospace — including Defence Procurements, Cyber Security, Defence Startup Funding, and more.

🚀

Virtual Demo Day for Defence Startups

The Virtual Demo Day will provide iDEX winners and other defence startups/innovators a platform to showcase their products to multiple investors. Interested investors will be connected one-to-one for deep-dive discussions.

Interested in the iDEX Programme?

Share your details and our team at AIC-RNTU will get back to you with personalised guidance, mentorship, and incubation support.

+91 755 270 0485
info@aicrntu.com
AIC-RNTU Foundation, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh