ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX

About this grant

ADITI 4.0 (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) is a flagship defence innovation grant program launched by the Defence Innovation Organisation under the Ministry of Defence. The program is designed to accelerate the development of high-impact, indigenous defence technologies by engaging startups, MSMEs, and innovators in solving critical military problem statements identified by the Indian Armed Forces and Defence Space Agency. The fourth edition of ADITI features 25 advanced problem statements spanning the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Defence Space domains. These challenges cover a wide spectrum of cutting-edge technology areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, advanced materials, space technologies, autonomous systems, and precision weapon systems. The initiative aims to strengthen India's strategic autonomy by reducing dependency on imports and promoting indigenous innovation aligned with national security objectives. The program offers grant funding of up to ₹25 crore per project. The funding is typically milestone-based and tied to the successful development of prototypes, validation, and testing under defence standards. Selected applicants are expected to develop working prototypes that meet stringent operational and certification requirements defined by the armed forces. Beyond funding, ADITI 4.0 provides extensive ecosystem support including access to defence testing infrastructure, mentorship from armed forces experts, validation opportunities, and potential procurement pathways. Successful prototypes have a high likelihood of induction into the Indian Armed Forces, followed by bulk procurement and export potential to friendly foreign nations.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Open to startups, MSMEs, and innovators working on defence and deep-tech solutions
• Applicants must be capable of developing advanced technology prototypes aligned with defined problem statements
• Projects should address one of the 25 challenge statements released by Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Defence Space Agency
• Entities should have technical capability in domains such as AI/ML, robotics, aerospace, electronics, materials, or related fields
• Must be able to meet defence-grade testing, validation, and certification requirements
• Solutions should be indigenous and aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives
• Applicants must demonstrate capability to scale and support eventual induction and deployment

What the funding covers

• Funding: Upto: ₹25 Cr

How to apply

1. 1Register or log in on the official iDEX portal at idex.gov.in/challenges.
2. 2Select one of the 25 problem statements and prepare a proposal including prototype plan and proof of matching funds for grants up to ₹25 crore.
3. 3Submit the application through the portal before May 4, 2026, including technical specifications and milestones.
4. 4Applications are reviewed by an expert committee, and selected winners receive funding, testing support, and a procurement pathway.
5. 5Track updates through portal notifications and email communications.

Application tips