ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX
Under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) by Defence Innovation Organisation
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Quick Answer
Defence deeptech grant up to ₹25 Cr for startups solving military challenges.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹25 Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Defence Innovation Organisation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 4 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Defence Innovation Organisation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
ADITI 4.0 (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) is a flagship defence innovation grant program launched by the Defence Innovation Organisation under the Ministry of Defence. The program is designed to accelerate the development of high-impact, indigenous defence technologies by engaging startups, MSMEs, and innovators in solving critical military problem statements identified by the Indian Armed Forces and Defence Space Agency.
The fourth edition of ADITI features 25 advanced problem statements spanning the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Defence Space domains. These challenges cover a wide spectrum of cutting-edge technology areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, advanced materials, space technologies, autonomous systems, and precision weapon systems. The initiative aims to strengthen India's strategic autonomy by reducing dependency on imports and promoting indigenous innovation aligned with national security objectives.
The program offers grant funding of up to ₹25 crore per project. The funding is typically milestone-based and tied to the successful development of prototypes, validation, and testing under defence standards. Selected applicants are expected to develop working prototypes that meet stringent operational and certification requirements defined by the armed forces.
Beyond funding, ADITI 4.0 provides extensive ecosystem support including access to defence testing infrastructure, mentorship from armed forces experts, validation opportunities, and potential procurement pathways. Successful prototypes have a high likelihood of induction into the Indian Armed Forces, followed by bulk procurement and export potential to friendly foreign nations.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Go Premium to view.
Grant providers
Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) – Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) The Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) is a not-for-profit Section 8 company under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. DIO was established to own,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹25 Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Grant funding up to ₹25 crore per project (milestone-based). Benefits include access to defence testing infrastructure, mentorship from armed forces experts, validation opportunities, and potential procurement pathways. Successful prototypes have a high likelihood of induction into the Indian Armed Forces, bulk procurement, and export potential.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.










