ADITI Scheme

Overview of the ADITI Scheme
Launch:
The ADITI Scheme (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) was introduced by the Union Minister of Defence during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.

1. Objective:
   • Foster innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies to strengthen India's defence capabilities.
   • Support approximately 30 deep-tech technologies within the program's timeframe.
2. Eligibility:
   • Start-ups can receive grant-in-aid of up to ₹25 crore for research, development, and innovation in defence technology.
3. Duration and Budget:
   • The scheme has a budget of ₹750 crore and will run from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
4. Framework:
   • Operates under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
5. Features:
   • Technology Watch Tool:
     • Designed to bridge the gap between the Armed Forces' requirements and the capabilities of India's defence innovation ecosystem.
   • Challenges in the First Edition:
     • A total of 17 challenges:
       • Indian Army: 3 challenges.
       • Indian Navy: 5 challenges.
       • Indian Air Force: 5 challenges.
       • Defence Space Agency: 4 challenges.

1. iDEX and iDEX Prime:
   • iDEX Expansion:
     • Increased grant assistance from ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore under iDEX Prime to boost participation.
   • Focus on motivating young innovators to create cutting-edge defence technologies.
2. Vision of ADITI and iDEX:
   • Transform India into a knowledge-driven society by nurturing the innovation potential of the youth.
   • Enable technological leaps to position India as a global leader in defence innovation.
     
     

What is iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)?

It is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched in April 2018.It aims to achieve self-reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups,