DRISHTI Challenges - Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)

About this grant

The DRISHTI Challenges initiative, which stands for “DPSU-driven Research & Innovation for Strategic and High-impact Technology Integration,” is a large-scale defence innovation program led by multiple Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in India. This initiative is designed to accelerate indigenous technology development by directly connecting real-world defence problem statements with innovators, startups, and technology developers. The program features a total of 101 problem statements sourced from major DPSUs such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and several others. These problem statements span a wide spectrum of advanced defence and industrial technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, aerospace components, naval systems, electronic warfare, materials engineering, and manufacturing innovations. Each challenge is owned, funded, and managed by the respective DPSU. The funding structure varies by problem statement, with indicative development budgets ranging from approximately ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore depending on the complexity and scope of the solution. This decentralized funding model ensures that projects are closely aligned with operational requirements and have a higher likelihood of real-world deployment. The initiative emphasizes design-led innovation, encouraging participants to develop indigenous solutions that reduce import dependency and strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence technologies. Selected innovators gain not only financial support but also access to domain experts, testing environments, certification pathways, and potential procurement opportunities from DPSUs. Strategically, DRISHTI plays a critical role in advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by building domestic capabilities in high-impact sectors. It enables startups and innovators to work on mission-critical technologies with direct applications in defence and strategic industries, thereby creating pathways for long-term collaboration and commercialization.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Open to innovators, startups, and technology developers capable of solving DPSU problem statements
• Applicants must align their solutions with one or more of the 101 listed problem statements
• Strong focus on deeptech, hardware, AI/ML, aerospace, naval, electronics, and manufacturing domains
• Applicants should have the capability to design, develop, and prototype solutions
• Participation expected from entities capable of handling defence-grade engineering and testing requirements

What the funding covers

• Funding: ₹5 Lakhs

How to apply

1. 1Check eligibility and focus areas on socialalpha.org.
2. 2Prepare pitch deck and documents.
3. 3Submit online application form.
4. 4Attend interview if shortlisted.
5. 5Sign agreement and achieve milestones for funding.
6. 6Participate in incubation and reporting.
7. 7Apply online at https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/drishti-challenges-defence-public-sector-undertakings-424

Application tips