Defence India Startup Challenge 14 (DISC 14) - Defence Innovation Organisation
Under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) by Defence Innovation Organisation
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Quick Answer
Defence challenge for startups/MSMEs solving 82 military problem statements
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.5 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
The Defence India Startup Challenge 14 (DISC 14) is a flagship innovation initiative launched under the aegis of the Defence Innovation Organisation, functioning within the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. The program is designed to harness the innovation capabilities of Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to address critical technological gaps faced by the Indian Armed Forces.
This edition of DISC features 82 problem statements sourced from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. These problem statements span a wide range of advanced defence technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced materials, electronic warfare, drone systems, and surveillance technologies. The challenges are rooted in real-world operational needs, ensuring that solutions developed under this program have direct deployment potential in defence environments.
Selected participants receive funding support of up to INR 1.5 crore to develop prototypes and solutions. The funding is structured to support different phases of product development, including design, prototyping, testing, and validation. The initiative emphasizes indigenous capability development, reducing dependency on imports, and strengthening India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Beyond funding, DISC 14 provides startups with access to defence experts, testing facilities, certification pathways, and potential procurement opportunities. This ecosystem support is critical in enabling startups to navigate the complexities of defence-grade product development, including compliance with stringent military standards and certifications.
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 ₹1.5 Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Funding support up to INR 1.5 crore for prototype development, design, testing, and validation. Participants also gain access to defence experts, testing facilities, certification pathways, and potential procurement opportunities, aiding navigation of military standards.
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.
