IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund
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Quick Answer
Pre-seed and seed deeptech fund for aerospace and defence startups. Each selected startup gets ₹3.72 crore plus mentorship and industry access.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3.7Cr
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- IIMA Ventures
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
Aerospace and defence startups at pre-seed or seed stage receive ₹3.72 crore in funding from the IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund, run with Jaivel Aerospace. The fund backs deeptech teams with dual-use technology and helps them move from early prototypes to market-ready solutions.
Beyond the money, you get access to advanced development facilities, global manufacturing networks and industry partnerships. You also get hands-on mentorship from global experts in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing and product development.
The fund plans a portfolio of 8–10 startups. Technology areas include autonomy, propulsion, AI, advanced materials, manufacturing and secure systems. Space-tech is also covered. Your company must be registered in India or in the process of incorporation. Founders should show strong intent to use the mentorship and industry networks to scale.
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.
Funding providers
IIMA Ventures is the startup incubator of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad). It was known as IIMA-CIIE, and publicly as CIIE.CO, until it rebranded to IIMA Ventures in 2024. CIIE stands for the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship, the…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹3.7Cr
What You Get
Selected startups receive ₹3.72 crore in pre-seed or seed funding. The program offers deep ecosystem support, access to advanced development facilities, global manufacturing networks, and industry partnerships. Founders get hands-on mentorship from global experts in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and product development.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by IIMA Ventures and Jaivel Aerospace on the startup's technology depth, dual-use relevance to aerospace and defence, and potential for commercial scale. Shortlisted startups undergo detailed diligence before being offered pre-seed or seed funding of ₹3.72 crore. Selected startups become part of a portfolio of 8–10 high-impact ventures with structured ecosystem support.
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
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the IIMA Ventures Aerospace & Defence fund provide?
Each selected startup receives ₹3.72 crore in pre-seed or seed funding. This capital is aimed at addressing early constraints in deeptech aerospace and defence innovation.
Does the fund take equity in the startup?
Yes. This is an equity investment program run by IIMA Ventures. The exact equity stake is determined through negotiations and standard due diligence at the time of investment.
What sectors and technology areas are covered?
The fund focuses on aerospace, defence, and space-tech startups working on dual-use deeptech. Technology areas include autonomy, propulsion, AI, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, and secure systems with national security or export potential.
Does the startup need to be incorporated in India?
The startup must be registered in India or actively in the process of incorporation. The program is designed to strengthen India''s technological self-reliance in strategic sectors.
What stage should the startup be at to apply?
The fund targets pre-seed and seed-stage startups — those with early-stage prototypes or proofs of concept seeking their first institutional investment. Founders must demonstrate strong intent to leverage mentorship and industry networks for scaling.
What non-monetary support is provided beyond the funding?
Beyond capital, selected startups receive access to advanced development facilities, global manufacturing networks, industry partnerships, and hands-on mentorship from global experts in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and product development.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
