Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

The Ministry of Defence, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission launched the 5th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) on August 19, 2021. DISC was launched under Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO).

• iDEX is a central sector scheme approved by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence with a Rs. 498.80 crore budgetary supports which has been provided for 2021-22 to the year 2025-26.
• Its objective is to provide financial support to around 300 MSMEs, Start-ups, and individual innovators as well as around 20 partner incubators through the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). This will help to-
  • Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenized, and innovative technologies for the Indian defence and aerospace sector.
  • Meet needs for defence sectors in shorter timelines.
  • Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups.
  • Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the defence and aerospace sectors.