DDTII

Choosing a programme

• Early idea, still exploring: start with Startup – Xcite, the ideation programme.
• Prototype that shows proof of concept, ready for a minimum viable product: look at Startup – Xpand Seed.
• Working in the defence domain and want outreach and mentor connections: ask about Startup Xcavate and Startup – Xpert.
• Check the stage each programme page describes before you apply. The pages do not always agree on names, so confirm which programme fits with the team.

How applications work

• Apply through the DDTII application form on the apply page.
• Have these ready before you start: applicant contact details and education, a startup idea summary, funds raised and revenue or expense projections, and any earlier incubation or funding support you have had.
• DDTII does not charge applicants any fee.
• Track your application with the application tracker linked from the apply page.

How selection works

• Evaluation usually takes 30 to 45 days.
• Shortlisted startups are called for an interaction session over coffee to talk about the startup, the idea, the core team and how DDTII can help.
• If you are not selected, DDTII emails the reasons. You can rework the points and reapply, and a new application is assessed fresh.

Questions

• Write to contact@ddtii.in, or use the contact details on the contact page.

The Defence Design and Technology Incubator of India (DDTII) is an incubator for startups that want to build or sell technology in the aerospace and defence sector. Karnavati University set it up to nurture innovation and research in defence, space and allied industries, and it operates as a not-for-profit section 8 company.

How programmes work

DDTII runs a set of programmes that follow a startup's path from idea to market. The earliest programme, Startup – Xcite, supports early-stage green-field startups that are still exploring an idea. Its mentoring and funding help a team build a working prototype and show proof of concept. Startup – Xpand Seed takes teams that have already proven the concept and need help finishing a full product and building a minimum viable product. Startup – Xcelerate Growth sits between them as a traction-stage programme for early-stage green-field startups. Startup Xcavate is an outreach effort that scouts and engages defence-domain startups, and Startup – Xpert connects startups with aerospace and defence mentors through DDTII and allied programmes under SSIP.

DDTII also runs defence innovation challenges with Karnavati University and the Indian Army. The second edition, Defence Innovation Challenge 2.0, ran applications in 2023 and has closed.

Who can apply

DDTII supports startups that want to explore or venture into the aerospace and defence sector. It accepts both green-field startups, which are new ventures, and brown-field startups. The programme pages describe the stage a team should be at, from an exploration-stage idea to a prototype that shows proof of concept, so check the stage before you apply. Challenges set their own eligibility. The most recent published challenge rules limited entry to DPIIT-recognised startups and MSMEs with a product in one of the listed defence categories.

Who runs it

DDTII is an incubator of Karnavati University, Gandhinagar. The university describes the incubator as one of its initiatives for defence innovation, and it works with Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF) on the same agenda. DDTII describes itself as a not-for-profit section 8 company.

Locations

DDTII's office is at Uvarsad-Vavol Road, Uvarsad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The site lists this as its only address.