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Innovations for Defence Excellence

IDEX

2026 ✓📈 Business✅ The Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme offers grants up to Rs.Launched: 2021🇮🇳 All India

Published: Oct 2026

3 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 16 Oct 2026

Innovations for Defence Excellence
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Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 16 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this business scheme

The Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme offers grants up to Rs. 1.50 Cr for startups and MSMEs to develop technology for the Defence sector. Applications are ongoing and can be submitted online.

The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme aims to promote innovation and technology in the Defence and Aerospace sectors. It is managed by the Defence Innovation Organization under the Ministry of Defence.

The scheme provides financial support to startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to help them develop new technologies.

By fostering a culture of innovation, iDEX helps create solutions that meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameInnovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)
Launched byMinistry Of Defence
DepartmentDepartment Of Defence Production
Launch year2021
BenefitThe Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme offers grants up to Rs.
Benefit typeComposite (cash plus goods or services)
CategoryBusiness
Level / StateCentral · All India
Official portalidex.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Scheme typeCentral Sector Scheme
Implementing agencyDefence Innovation Organisation
Scheme forInfra
Application modeOnline
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No
DBTNo

Who can apply (quick check)

  • 👤All genders
  • 🎂Age 18 to 80 years
  • 📝Online

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

हिंदी में जानकारी

इनोवेशन फॉर डिफेंस एक्सीलेंस योजना स्टार्टअप्स और MSMEs को रक्षा क्षेत्र के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी विकसित करने के लिए 1.50 करोड़ रुपये तक के अनुदान प्रदान करती है। आवेदन चल रहे हैं और ऑनलाइन जमा किए जा सकते हैं।

The Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme offers grants up to Rs.

What you receive

The Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme offers grants up to Rs.
  • Grants up to Rs. 1.50 Cr for projects
  • Grants up to Rs. 10 Cr under iDEX Prime

The grant is paid in tranches based on project milestones after rigorous evaluation.

Who qualifies

  • Must be between 18 and 80 years old
  • Startups recognized by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
  • Indian companies classified as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  • Individual innovators can apply but must form a startup before signing the grant agreement

Who is not eligible

  • No specific exclusions mentioned; all eligible startups and MSMEs can apply.

Papers to keep ready

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Registration walkthrough

  1. Visit the official iDEX website.
  2. Choose the relevant challenge to apply for.
  3. Fill out the online application form with required details.
  4. Submit the application along with necessary documents.
How to check status and payment

To check the status of your application, log in to the official iDEX portal. You can also contact their helpline for assistance.

Important dates

Launch / start03 May 2021

Real-life examples: are you eligible?

A quick way to gauge your eligibility: find the profile nearest to yours.

Example 1: A startup focusing on drone technology is eligible because it meets the age and registration requirements. Example 2: An MSME developing a new type of military gear is eligible for funding. Example 3: An individual innovator who has not yet formed a startup is not eligible until they do so.

Common mistakes: why applications get rejected
  • Incomplete application forms can lead to rejection.
  • Missing required documents will delay the process.
  • Not addressing the specific challenge in the proposal can result in disqualification.
  • Failure to meet the age criteria will make the application invalid.
  • Not forming a startup before signing the grant agreement if applying as an individual innovator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the iDEX scheme?

iDEX supports innovation in Defence by providing grants to startups and MSMEs.

Who can apply for the grants?

Startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators can apply.

How much funding can I receive?

You can receive up to Rs. 1.50 Cr, or Rs. 10 Cr under iDEX Prime.

What documents do I need to apply?

You need incorporation certificates, MSME registration, and ID proof.

How is the grant disbursed?

The grant is disbursed in tranches based on project milestones.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You can revise and resubmit your application if it does not meet the criteria.

Can I apply if I am over 80 years old?

No, the age limit for applicants is between 18 and 80 years.

Is there a specific deadline for applications?

No, applications are ongoing with no last date specified.

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First draft prepared with editorial AI tools; every fact verified against the official notification and rewritten by our team.

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