ADITI Scheme 2026: Defence Deep-Tech Funding for Startups

What is the ADITI Scheme?

What is the ADITI Scheme?

ADITI is a sub-scheme within the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 4 March 2024 during DefConnect 2024, designed specifically to accelerate the development of approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies with primarily defence applications and export potential.

Unlike the broader iDEX scheme, which covers a wide range of defence innovation challenges, ADITI is deliberately narrower and more ambitious in scope, targeting technologies considered genuinely critical and strategic, the kind where India currently depends heavily on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers and where indigenous development carries significant national security weight.

Why ADITI Was Created

The scheme addresses two goals simultaneously. First, it aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign OEMs for technologies considered critical to national security, an objective that has taken on renewed urgency as global supply chains face repeated geopolitical disruption. Second, it aims to foster genuine collaboration between startups, MSMEs and established industry players, recognising that the fastest path to a working defence technology often runs through a startup’s agility combined with an established player’s manufacturing and integration capability.

Focus Areas Under ADITI

ADITI targets technologies across a deliberately advanced and strategically sensitive set of domains, including:

Satellite communication

Advanced cyber technology

Autonomous weapons systems

Nuclear technologies

Semiconductor advancements

Artificial Intelligence

Quantum Technologies

Advanced underwater surveillance systems

The scheme also envisages creating a “Technology Watch Tool,” a mechanism intended to bridge the gap between what the modern Armed Forces actually need and what India’s defence innovation ecosystem is currently capable of delivering, helping guide future challenge statements and strategic policy formation.

Grant Structure and Funding

How much funding can a startup receive under ADITI?

Eligible startups can receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development andinnovation work under ADITI, drawn from the scheme’s total outlay of Rs 750 crore allocated over the three-year period from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

Beyond direct grants to ADITI winners, the scheme also provides support to Partner Incubators, extending its impact through the broader innovation support ecosystem rather than funding only the end-stage startups directly.

Eligibility Criteria

• Who can apply for the ADITI Scheme?

Startups working on relevant deep-tech and strategic defence technologies are the primary eligible applicants, and individual innovators, along with research and academic institutions, are also encouraged to apply, though they are required to form a registered startup entity before signing the actual Grant Agreement.

• Applicant must be responding to a specific problem statement or challenge issued under an ADITI edition, since the scheme operates through defined challenge cycles rather than open-ended applications
• Individual innovators and research or academic institutions can apply initially, but must incorporate as a startup before the grant agreement stage
• Proposed technology must fall within one of ADITI’s notified focus areas, reflecting genuinely deep-tech, critical or strategic defence relevance rather than incremental improvement
• Applicant should be able to demonstrate credible technical capability to execute the proposed research and development work within the challenge’s defined scope

ADITI Challenge Editions

ADITI operates through successive challenge editions, each inviting startups to address specific problem statements from the Armed Forces, Defence Space Agency, Indian Coast Guard and other defence bodies. The second edition launched 19 problem statements spanning areas like high-power laser sources and naval collaborative combat air vehicles, the third edition specifically challenged startups to design a High-Power Microwave Weapon System for the Indian Navy, and the fourth edition, launched at the National Defence Industries Conclave 2026 alongside DISC-14, added 25 further problem statements from the Defence Forces, Indian Coast Guard and Defence Space Agency.

This rolling challenge structure means the specific opportunities available under ADITI change with each edition, so startups interested in the scheme should track the iDEX portal closely rather than assuming a fixed, always-open application window.

How to Apply

• Monitor the official iDEX portal, idex.gov.in, for the latest ADITI challenge edition and its published problem statements
• Identify a problem statement that genuinely aligns with your technical capability and existing or planned research direction
• Prepare your application addressing the specific problem statement, demonstrating technical feasibility and a credible development plan
• Submit your proposal through the iDEX portal within the challenge’s notified application window
• If shortlisted, participate in the evaluation process, which typically includes technical assessment by the relevant Defence Force or agency that issued the problem statement
• If selected as a winner, complete registration as a startup entity if not already done, since this is a prerequisite before the Grant Agreement can be signed
• Sign the Grant Agreement and begin work under the defined milestones and disbursement schedule tied to the ADITI grant

Key Takeaways

• ADITI is a Rs 750 crore sub-scheme of iDEX, launched in March 2024, aimed at developing around 30 critical deep-tech defence technologies by 2026.
• Eligible startups can receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore, with individual innovators and academic institutions also eligible to apply provided they incorporate as a startup before the grant agreement.
• Focus areas include satellite communication, AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, autonomous weapons and advanced underwater surveillance.
• The scheme operates through successive challenge editions with specific problem statements, with the fourth edition adding 25 new problem statements in 2026.
• Applications are made through the iDEX portal in response to specific published problem statements, not through an open-ended, always-available application form.

FAQs

What does ADITI stand for?

ADITI stands for Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX, a Ministry of Defence sub-scheme under the iDEX framework.

How much grant funding can a startup get under ADITI?

Eligible startups can receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development and innovation work under the ADITI Scheme.

When was the ADITI Scheme launched?

ADITI was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 4 March 2024 during DefConnect 2024, with a total outlay of Rs 750 crore over the 2023-24 to 2025-26 period.

Can an individual innovator apply for ADITI, or does it require a registered company?

Individual innovators and research or academic institutions can apply initially, but they must form a registered startup before signing the actual Grant Agreement.

What technology areas does ADITI focus on?

ADITI focuses on around 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies including satellite communication, advanced cyber technology, autonomous weapons, nuclear technologies, semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies and advanced underwater surveillance systems.

How do I find current ADITI challenge problem statements?

Current ADITI challenge editions and their problem statements are published on the official iDEX portal, idex.gov.in, so interested startups should monitor the portal directly for the latest opportunities.

Talk to Growthora

If your startup is working on deep-tech that could align with an ADITI challenge, or you need help structuring your startup entity ahead of a Grant Agreement, Growthora Advisory can guide you through registration and compliance. Book a free consultation with our team today.