iDEX Open Challenge by DIO

The iDEX Open Challenge is a flagship initiative under Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), implemented by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s defence and aerospace sectors. The challenge creates a structured platform for startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to propose breakthrough technologies that can strengthen India’s military and strategic capabilities.

The Open Challenge casts a wide net across leading-edge technology domains including aerospace, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, intelligent machines, predictive algorithms, and related defence applications. Unlike narrowly defined problem statements, this category allows innovators to propose original solutions that have potential use in defence and aerospace environments.

Selected applicants are given the opportunity to present their solutions before the iDEX Grand Jury. High-potential proposals may qualify for grants of up to ₹1.5 crore, along with potential investment support. The initiative is organized periodically throughout the year, enabling continuous engagement between innovators and defence stakeholders. Through facilitation by DIO and its partner incubators, startups and innovators can directly engage with the armed forces and defence ecosystem.