Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots
Under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) by Defence Innovation Organisation
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Quick Answer
iDEX DISC 12 offers grants up to ₹1.5 Crore to MSMEs, startups, and innovators for developing an inflight urination device for female fighter pilots, addressing a critical combat requirement by AFMS.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.5 Cr
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Defence Innovation Organisation
- 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 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 competition
The Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (DISC 12) has been re-opened by iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), presenting a unique opportunity for MSMEs, startups, and innovators across India. This challenge focuses on a critical problem statement from the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS): the 'Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots'. Multirole fighter aircraft are designed for long-duration missions, and in-flight urination is a necessary combat requirement. While male pilots use condom catheters, a suitable female counterpart is currently unavailable and off-the-shelf products are incompatible with ejection seat restraint systems or untested for aircraft compatibility.
This physiological restriction hinders female fighter pilots from fully exploiting the potential of multirole aircraft during long sorties and duties in harsh climatic conditions. The challenge aims to bridge this gap by fostering innovation in advanced materials, suction pumps, battery packs, and urobags to channelize, collect, and solidify urine. The program seeks a non-invasive, wearable device compatible with both the Aircrew Equipment Assembly and the fighter cockpit, as well as the five-point harness system and ejection seats of all fighter aircraft in the Indian inventory.
Successful innovators will not only contribute significantly to national defence capabilities but also tap into a potential market that extends beyond military applications, including solutions for bedridden patients and potentially human space missions. This re-opened challenge underscores iDEX's commitment to leveraging India's startup ecosystem for defence innovation.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
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,…
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- Amount
- Up to ₹1.5 Cr
What You Get
The iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open program provides a substantial grant of up to ₹1.5 Crore to drive the development of innovative solutions for a critical defence need. Beyond the financial support, selected innovators will benefit from a robust ecosystem designed to foster technological advancement. This includes incubation support to refine their solutions, expert mentorship from defence and medical professionals, and guidance to navigate crucial regulatory clearances. Adherence to standards like CEMILAC certification and MILSPEC/BIS/QCI/DGQA is a key aspect, ensuring the product meets stringent military requirements. The program also opens doors to the significant defence market within India and holds strong potential for defence exports, along with commercial spin-off applications for broader market access in the healthcare sector.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open challenge will undergo a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. Initially, proposals will be screened by a panel of experts from iDEX, AFMS, and potentially other defence organizations. This initial review will assess the novelty of the proposed solution, its technical feasibility, potential impact, alignment with the challenge requirements, and the overall capability and experience of the applicant team. Shortlisted innovators will then typically be invited to present their proposed solutions and prototypes (if available) to a grand jury or a high-level selection committee. This presentation round allows for detailed questioning and a deeper evaluation of the proposed technology and business plan before final selections are made and grants are awarded.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants submit their detailed proposal and supporting documents via the iDEX online portal.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of iDEX DISC 12 Re-Open?
The primary goal is to develop a non-invasive inflight urination device for female fighter pilots to enable long-duration flying, addressing a critical combat requirement due to anatomical differences and lack of suitable existing solutions.
Who is eligible to apply for this challenge?
The challenge is open to MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators in India who can provide innovative solutions to the specified problem statement from the Armed Forces Medical Services.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
Innovators can receive a grant amount of up to ₹1.5 Crore for successful resolution and development of the product for the problem statement.
What kind of solution is expected for the problem statement?
The expected product is a non-invasive, wearable urination device for females, designed to be compatible with the Aircrew Equipment Assembly, fighter cockpit, five-point harness system, and ejection seats of all fighter aircraft in the Indian inventory.
What certifications and standards are required for the developed product?
The product will require CEMILAC certification for airworthiness. It is also expected to meet DGAQA standards, and appropriate MILSPEC/BIS/QCI/DGQA reference standards should be utilized for its design and manufacture.
What are the potential future applications and market for the developed product?
Beyond its primary application in multirole combat fighter aircraft for female pilots, the technology may help bedridden patients by minimizing long-term catheterization and associated infections. Future developments could also explore its use for Human Space Missions, and it has potential for defence export to other nations.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
