With a dedicated corpus of ₹750 Crores, the ADITI under iDEX scheme offers startups, MSMEs, and private innovators the opportunity to secure up to ₹25 Crores in non-dilutive grants for developing strategic deep tech solutions for the Indian Armed Forces. This guide provides a comprehensive decision framework and comparative selection guide to help you navigate the ADITI under iDEX comparison selection guide, including eligibility criteria, financial benefits, application process, and document requirements.
Scheme Overview & Objective
The ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) scheme is a flagship funding program launched by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). The scheme aims to foster the development of strategic deep tech innovations in areas such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Hypersonic Guidance Systems, and Directed Energy Weapons.
With a focus on high-risk, high-reward technologies, ADITI provides selected companies with access to military test ranges, DRDO labs, and priority procurement under the Defence Acquisition Procedure.
Eligibility Criteria & Scope
To be eligible for the ADITI under iDEX scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- DPIIT-recognized Startups, MSMEs, or Indian private technology companies.
- At least 51% Indian ownership and control.
- Proven deep tech R&D capability and senior engineering leadership.
- Application in response to officially notified ADITI strategic challenge statements.
- Technical readiness to scale from TRL 3/4 to TRL 7/8.
- Successful national security vetting for founders and core technical teams.
Key Financial & Growth Benefits
The ADITI under iDEX scheme offers a range of financial and growth benefits, including:
- Up to ₹25 Crores in non-dilutive grant-in-aid.
- Access to military test ranges and DRDO labs at zero cost.
- Fast-track procurement under the Defence Acquisition Procedure.
- Elevated status as a strategic defence and aerospace prime contractor.
- Accelerated commercial export permissions to friendly foreign nations.
Application Procedure & Documents
The ADITI under iDEX application process 2026 involves the following steps:
- Submit a detailed technical proposal with mathematical simulations, subsystem architecture, and BOM.
- Provide an itemized budget estimation across milestone deliverables.
- Furnish required documents, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation, MoA / AoA, and Indian Shareholding Certificate.
- DPIIT Recognition Certificate and Udyam MSME Certificate.
- Security Undertaking and Promoter / Director KYC Documents.
- Audited Financials for the past 3 years or Net Worth Certificate.
Ensure you have the complete ADITI under iDEX document checklist before submitting your application.
Official FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the ADITI under iDEX scheme:
- What is the maximum funding amount? Up to ₹25 Crores in non-dilutive grant-in-aid.
- Who is eligible to apply? DPIIT-recognized Startups, MSMEs, and Indian private technology companies with at least 51% Indian ownership.
- What are the target domains? Strategic DeepTech, including Quantum, Cyber, AI, and Hypersonics.
- How is the grant distributed? Across rigorous engineering and testing milestones.
For more information, visit the official ADITI under iDEX page.
