Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, aimed at fostering innovation and indigenisation in defence and aerospace. The program engages startups, MSMEs, innovators, and academia to develop cutting-edge solutions for the Indian Armed Forces and defence ecosystem.
Through iDEX, innovators gain access to problem statements issued by defence stakeholders, structured funding support, mentoring, testing environments, and pathways for adoption by the Services.
Technology domains where iDEX challenges invite solutions for the Indian Armed Forces and defence ecosystem.
What selected startups and innovators get through iDEX, with T-Hub as Partner Incubator.
Grant funding support under the iDEX framework
Direct engagement with Indian Armed Forces and defence PSUs
Mentorship from defence experts, industry leaders and domain specialists
Access to testing, lab facilities, validation and user feedback
Support for piloting, trials and potential procurement pathways
Collaboration opportunities
Ecosystem support through T-Hub as Partner Incubator (PI)
iDEX is open to a broad set of Indian innovators building defence-relevant solutions.
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria as defined by iDEX for each challenge.
From problem statement to demonstration: how an iDEX challenge progresses.
Launch of problem statements
Application window opens
Evaluation & shortlisting
Winner announced
T-Hub connects with startup as the Partner Incubator
Agreement signed
Grant sanction & project kickoff
Development, testing & trials
Demonstration and closure
T-Hub's track record as an iDEX Partner Incubator.
Moments from DAIS, iDEX challenges, demos and engagements at T-Hub.
Stories, showcases and conversations from India's defence innovation ecosystem.
Common questions about iDEX and T-Hub's role as Partner Incubator.
iDEX helps startups build defence and aerospace solutions by providing funding, user access, and execution support.
iDEX provides milestone-based grant funding released as the startup achieves defined project milestones.
Problem statements are issued by the Armed Forces, DPSUs and other defence stakeholders based on real needs.
T-Hub mentors startups, reviews milestones and coordinates with iDEX to ensure smooth project execution.
The program typically runs for 12 to 24 months, depending on the challenge and milestones.
For queries and support, fill in the form below. Queries will be addressed directly by the Defence & Aerospace team at T-Hub.
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