DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
By Defence Public Sector Undertakings
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Quick Answer
DPSU-led defence innovation challenges for deeptech and hardware startups
- Funding amount
- ₹5 Lakhs – ₹10 Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- 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 Public Sector Undertakings. 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 DRISHTI Challenges initiative, which stands for “DPSU-driven Research & Innovation for Strategic and High-impact Technology Integration,” is a large-scale defence innovation program led by multiple Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in India. This initiative is designed to accelerate indigenous technology development by directly connecting real-world defence problem statements with innovators, startups, and technology developers.
The program features a total of 101 problem statements sourced from major DPSUs such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and several others. These problem statements span a wide spectrum of advanced defence and industrial technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, aerospace components, naval systems, electronic warfare, materials engineering, and manufacturing innovations.
Each challenge is owned, funded, and managed by the respective DPSU. The funding structure varies by problem statement, with indicative development budgets ranging from approximately INR 5 lakh to INR 10 crore depending on the complexity and scope of the solution. This decentralized funding model ensures that projects are closely aligned with operational requirements and have a higher likelihood of real-world deployment.
The initiative emphasizes design-led innovation, encouraging participants to develop indigenous solutions that reduce import dependency and strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence technologies. Selected innovators gain not only financial support but also access to domain experts, testing environments, certification pathways, and potential procurement opportunities from DPSUs.
Strategically, DRISHTI plays a critical role in advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by building domestic capabilities in high-impact sectors. It enables startups and innovators to work on mission-critical technologies with direct applications in defence and strategic industries, thereby creating pathways for long-term collaboration and commercialization.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) are government-owned enterprises under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Major DPSUs include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹5 Lakhs – ₹10 Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Financial support from DPSUs, with development budgets ranging from INR 5 lakh to INR 10 crore. Selected innovators gain access to domain experts, testing environments, certification pathways, and potential procurement opportunities from DPSUs. This creates pathways for long-term collaboration and commercialization.
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.
