iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open: Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots
By Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
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Quick Answer
iDEX DISC 12 offers grants up to ₹1.5 crore for MSMEs, startups, and innovators to develop an inflight urination device for female fighter pilots.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.5Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX). 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 Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program, a flagship initiative by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, aims to foster innovation and technological development in the Indian defence and aerospace sector. iDEX DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge) 12 has been re-launched with a critical problem statement from the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to address a significant operational gap for female fighter pilots.
This specific challenge focuses on the "Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots." As female fighter pilots become an integral part of the Indian Air Force's multirole fighter aircraft fleets, the need for compatible inflight urination solutions has become paramount. While male pilots use condom catheters for long-duration sorties, a suitable counterpart for female pilots that is compatible with ejection seat restraint systems and aircraft specifications is currently unavailable in the Indian market.
The absence of such a device restricts the full operational potential of female fighter pilots during extended missions and challenging climatic conditions. This challenge seeks innovative solutions that are non-invasive, wearable within the Aircrew Equipment Assembly, and fully compatible with fighter cockpits. Beyond defence applications, the technology developed may also have civilian utility, such as aiding bedridden patients by minimizing the need for long-term catheterization and associated infections. The successful development of this product will not only enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force but also contribute to India's defence export potential.
Eligibility
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Grant providers
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a Ministry of Defence scheme, launched at DefExpo 2018 and run by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), a not-for-profit company formed under the Department of Defence Production. It runs challenges that let Indian startups,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.5Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Grant of up to ₹1.5 crore: Non-repayable funding for R&D, prototyping, testing, and certification of the urination device for female fighter pilots.
- Access to defence ecosystem: Opportunity to work with the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and defence testing facilities.
- Product development support: Technical guidance, user feedback from Air Force personnel, and field testing.
- Path to procurement: Potential for production orders from the Indian Armed Forces upon successful development and validation.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process by a panel of experts from iDEX, the Department of Defence Production, and the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). The initial screening will assess the technical feasibility, innovativeness, and alignment of the proposed solution with the challenge brief. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their concepts and detailed plans to the selection committee. Evaluation criteria will include the uniqueness of the technology, the scientific merit and robustness of the solution, the team's capabilities and experience, the clarity of the development roadmap, and the potential for successful integration into defence applications, including compliance with required certifications like CEMILAC and DGAQA. The most promising solutions demonstrating high potential for impact and successful product development will be selected for grant funding.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Submit a detailed technical proposal and supporting documents through the iDEX online portal.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The iDEX DISC 12 program offers a grant amount of up to ₹1.5 crore for selected solutions addressing the problem statement.
Who is eligible to apply for this challenge?
MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators are eligible to apply. The proposed solution must directly address the 'Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots' problem statement.
What kind of problem is this challenge trying to solve?
The challenge aims to develop a non-invasive, wearable, and aircraft-compatible inflight urination device specifically for female fighter pilots, as current solutions are inadequate or non-existent in the Indian market.
What are the key technical requirements for the device?
The device should utilize advanced materials for urine flow, incorporate suction pumps, battery packs, and urobags for collection and solidification. It must be non-invasive, compatible with aircrew equipment and fighter cockpits, and meet military standards and certifications like CEMILAC and DGAQA.
Will the developed product require specific certifications?
Yes, CEMILAC certification will be required for airworthiness. Applicants are expected to use appropriate MILSPEC/BIS/QCI/DGQA reference standards for design and manufacture and meet DGAQA standards.
What is the application process like?
Applicants typically need to submit a detailed proposal outlining their innovative solution, technical approach, team capabilities, and projected milestones through the iDEX portal. This is followed by a rigorous evaluation and selection process, which may include presentations and technical demonstrations.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
