Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)
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Quick answer
IDEX is a government scheme launched in May 2021 by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence to support startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators in developing innovative defence and aerospace technologies. Eligible applicants receive grants up to Rs. 1.50 Cr (Rs. 10 Cr in iDEX Prime cases) through the SPARK framework, disbursed in multiple tranches based on milestones. Applications are made online at idex.gov.in.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Benefits |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Defence |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
IDEX is the operational framework of the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a special purpose vehicle formed under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. iDEX was launched in May 2021 by DIO to foster innovation and technology development in the Defence and Aerospace sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia. It provides grants/fundings and other necessary support to carry out R&D with potential for future adoption for Indian Defence and aerospace needs. The scheme also serves as a pathway for procurement for the Armed Forces as per the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.
Benefits
- SPARK Grant: Grants up to Rs. 1.50 Cr (up to Rs. 10 Cr in case of iDEX Prime) to fund projects in technological areas under Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC) and Open Challenge through the SPARK Framework.
- Partner Incubator Support: Mentorship provided to selected startups/MSMEs; programs like accelerators and incubation run to strengthen them for the India defence sector; initiatives to promote innovations among students/researchers at all levels in academia.
- Ecosystem Development: Facilitates rapid development of new, indigenised, and innovative technologies for the Indian defence and aerospace sector; creates a culture of engagement with innovative startups; empowers technology co-creation and co-innovation within defence and aerospace sectors.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Startups, as defined and recognized by Department of Industrial Policy Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
- Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as defined in the MSME Act, 2006.
- Individual innovators are also encouraged to apply (research & academic institutions can use this category to apply), however they are supposed to form a Start-up before signing the SPARK Grant Agreement.
Who cannot apply
- Who is eligible for iDEX grants?
- How much grant money does iDEX provide?
- How to apply for iDEX?
- What is the last date for iDEX application?
- Does iDEX provide equity or debt funding?
Documents required
- Company Incorporation Certificate, AoA and MoA (in case of Pvt. Ltd./ Public limited company)
- DPIIT registration/valid MSME certificate
- Latest Audited Balance Sheet, ITR, P&L statements of the Company, if applicable
- Govt. Issued ID Card of applicant
How to apply
- 1Visit the official portal https://idex.gov.in for application process stepwise information.
- 2Navigate to the challenge categories page at https://idex.gov.in/challenge-categories.
- 3Fill in the application form with full details of a Single Point of Contact for the applying entity (encouraged to be a core member of the applicant entity).
- 4Provide Entity Details (details of the Startup/MSME applying; individuals do not need to fill these).
- 5Submit Proposal Details including the problem statement addressed, level of funding desired, technical and financial details, relevant patents and research papers, and a tentative business plan.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for iDEX grants?+
Startups, as defined and recognized by Department of Industrial Policy Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as defined in the MSME Act, 2006. Individual innovators are also encouraged to apply (research & academic institutions can use this category to apply).
How much grant money does iDEX provide?+
iDEX provides grants up to Rs. 1.50 Cr (up to Rs. 10 Cr in case of iDEX Prime) under the SPARK Framework. The funds are disbursed in multiple tranches based on milestones decided by a high-powered selection committee.
How to apply for iDEX?+
Applicants are required to apply for challenges launched under DISC and https://idex.gov.in/challenge-categories. Fill in the application over the mentioned link. The major info sought includes Full Details of a Single Point of Contact for the applying entity, Entity Details, and Proposal Details (problem statement addressed, level of funding, technical and financial details, patents, research papers, and tentative business plan).
Is there any limitation on number of winners selected under a challenge?+
No, there is no such limit. Any number of potential candidates can be selected under the iDEX challenges.
Does iDEX provide equity or debt funding?+
Currently, iDEX does not provide equity or debt for companies, but only milestone-based grants for Defence-relevant innovative products under published guidelines. The SPARK Grant is released in multiple tranches based on completion of pre-established milestones and the deployment of Matching Contribution as per the agreement.
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