Aditi Defence 4.0 ChallengeGrant Funding up to ₹25 Crore
A government-backed initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and Ministry of Defence to fund, validate, and commercialise advanced defence technologies from Indian startups and MSMEs.
What is the Aditi Defence 4.0 Challenge?
The Aditi Defence 4.0 Challenge is a government-backed initiative supported by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and the Ministry of Defence, aligned with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It provides milestone-linked grant funding of up to ₹25 Crore to Indian startups, MSMEs, and private companies developing innovative defence and dual-use technologies.
Beyond funding, selected participants gain access to DRDO and Armed Forces testing facilities for technology validation, mentorship from defence experts, and a direct pathway to government procurement contracts and export opportunities — making it one of India's most comprehensive defence innovation programmes.
- Registered Indian startup, MSME, or private company
- Innovative defence or dual-use technology solution
- High Technology Readiness Level (TRL) with proven development history
- DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate preferred
Why Apply for Aditi Defence 4.0?
Grant up to ₹25 Crore
Milestone-linked grant funding for prototype development and technology scaling — no equity loss, no debt obligation.
DRDO Testing Facilities
Access DRDO, DIO, and Armed Forces testing infrastructure to validate your technology against defence-grade standards.
Defence Expert Mentorship
Guidance from experienced defence scientists, procurement officials, and strategic investors throughout the programme.
Government Contract Pathway
Direct pathway to government contracts, defence corporation collaborations, and public sector procurement.
Export Opportunities
Validated products gain support for international defence market entry and export facilitation.
Genesis Fund Access
Additional ₹490 Crore Genesis Fund available for qualifying tech startups operating in the defence-adjacent space.
Eligibility Criteria
Aditi Defence 4.0 is open to Indian entities with proven technological capabilities in defence or dual-use innovation areas.
Entity Type
Registered Indian startups, MSMEs, or private companies. Foreign entities are not eligible.
Technology Domain
Innovative defence or dual-use technology solution across autonomous systems, munitions, cybersecurity, AI, or space tech.
Technology Readiness
High Technology Readiness Level (TRL) required — proven history of technological development and lab-validated performance.
DPIIT Recognition
DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate preferred. Enego can assist with DPIIT registration if required.
Legal Registration
Valid business registration with all statutory compliances in place.
Exclusivity
Proposed technology must not be under exclusive contract with any other defence organisation or foreign entity.
Documents Required
- DPIIT Registration Certificate
- Company Incorporation Certificate
- Pitch deck with technology description and market application
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) evidence and test data
- Financial model with cap table and 3-year projections
- MVP evidence or pilot deployment proof
- Team CVs highlighting technical and leadership experience
- Valid MSME (Udyam) Certification
Application Process
Online Registration
Register on the Aditi Defence 4.0 portal and create your startup profile with basic entity details.
Document Submission
Upload DPIIT certificate, incorporation documents, pitch deck, TRL evidence, and financial projections.
Selection Process
DIO evaluates applications on technology merit, feasibility, defence relevance, and team capability.
Interview & Pitching
Shortlisted startups present to a panel of defence experts, DRDO scientists, and DIO officials.
Fund Allocation
Approved startups receive milestone-linked grant disbursements with defined testing and development milestones.
Online Registration
Register on the Aditi Defence 4.0 portal and create your startup profile with basic entity details.
Document Submission
Upload DPIIT certificate, incorporation documents, pitch deck, TRL evidence, and financial projections.
Selection Process
DIO evaluates applications on technology merit, feasibility, defence relevance, and team capability.
Fund Allocation
Approved startups receive milestone-linked grant disbursements with defined testing and development milestones.
Interview & Pitching
Shortlisted startups present to a panel of defence experts, DRDO scientists, and DIO officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Your Aditi Defence 4.0 Grant
Build India's defence future — prepare your technology dossier, get DPIIT-ready, and apply for up to ₹25 Crore in milestone-linked grant funding.