Defence Ministry seeks more funds to expand scope of iDex scheme

The Ministry of Defence is planning to broaden the scope of its flagship Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme and has requested additional funding from the Finance Ministry to sustain its progress.

About iDex

Launch Date: May 2021.
Implementing Body: Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India.
Objectives of iDEX
- Rapid Development: Facilitate quick development of indigenized technologies to meet defence needs.
- Engagement with Startups: Encourage collaboration and co-creation with innovative startups in the defence sector.
- Empower Technology Co-Creation: Promote a culture of co-innovation within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
Funding and Support
- Grants Available:
  - Up to ₹1.50 crore for projects.
  - Up to ₹10 crore under the iDEX Prime initiative.
- Support Framework: Includes the Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) framework to facilitate research and development.

Related Initiatives of the iDEX Scheme

Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC)

Purpose: Launched to address specific problems faced by the Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factories (OFB).
Structure: Startups and innovators are invited to provide solutions to various problem statements issued by the Ministry of Defence.
Funding: Winners receive grants for prototype development through the SPARK framework, with amounts up to ₹1.5 crore.

ADITI Challenges

The ADITI initiative aims to develop innovative technologies for the Defence sector.
ADITI 2.0: Recently launched, featuring 19 challenges from armed forces and allied agencies focusing on areas like:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Technology
- Military Communication
- Anti-drone Systems
- Adaptive Camouflage
Funding: Offers grants up to ₹25 crore, targeting critical technological advancements.

Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) Initiative

It is part of DISC, MIRA focuses on developing medical technologies tailored for the armed forces.
It introduces targeted challenges to address the unique medical needs within military environments.