§1Who it is for

  • DPIIT-recognised startups
  • MSMEs (Indian companies)
  • Individual innovators (must register as startup/MSME after selection)
  • Research and academic institutions via the individual-innovator category

Useful if

Tech startups/MSMEs with a working idea for a stated Services problem and cash for a 50% match

Do not spend time on it if

Firms needing a guaranteed order or without matching funds

§2Eligibility

  1. Startups as defined and recognised by DPIIT
  2. Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily an MSME as defined in the MSME Act 2006
  3. Individual innovators may apply; after selection they must register as a startup/MSME
  4. Applicant startup must have majority stake held by Indians
  5. No turnover cap beyond DPIIT/MSME definitions; civilian-sector firms may apply; JVs/consortia have specific FAQ rules
  6. No minimum TRL required to apply

§3Benefits

  • Grant-in-aid (SPARK grant) up to Rs 1.5 crore for DISC and Open Challenge winners, subject to approved Product Development Budget (PDB)
  • iDEX Prime challenges: grant amount Rs 10 crore (as printed on challenge listings)
  • No equity taken; IP stays with the iDEX winner, subject to SPARK Grant Agreement
  • Product may be procured by the nodal agency (and other agencies) under DAP

§4Norms — pattern of assistance

  1. Matching contribution by the grantee: at least 50% of the Product Development Budget (cash, past expenditure or in-kind)
  2. Founder-owned IP counted as in-kind MC capped at 20% of total MC or Rs 25 lakh, whichever is lower (registered valuer needed)
  3. Grant released in 6 milestones: M0 10%, M1 20%, M2 20%, M3 20%, M4 20%, M5 10%
  4. Negative list: cost overruns (borne by grantee), land and buildings, new R&D centres, refinancing, entertainment, items outside PDB
  5. Funds through an exclusive iDEX bank account
  6. Shortlisting usually within 1–2 months of the call; Open Challenge may take 1–2 months more

§5Documents

Not published

The guideline does not list the documents. Ask the portal or bank before you apply — we do not make up lists.

§6How to apply

  1. 1

    Register / log in at idex.gov.in

  2. 2

    Pick an open challenge (DISC problem statement or Open Challenge) and click Apply Now

  3. 3

    Fill application form, focus on technical approach; submit

  4. 4

    Shortlisting → High-Powered Selection Committee (HPSC) → SPARK Grant Agreement

§7Pros and cons

Merits

  • Grant, not loan or equity; IP remains with the startup — iDEX FAQ
  • Problem statements come directly from the Services/DPSUs, so the buyer is identified — iDEX FAQ
  • Track record: 31 procurement contracts worth about Rs 1,567 crore signed with iDEX winners (as of 31 Dec 2024) — iDEX booklet
  • Open Challenge allows your own problem definition, rolling intake — iDEX FAQ

Demerits

  • You must bring at least 50% of the project budget yourself — iDEX FAQ
  • DIO gives no assurance of Minimum Pilot Order Quantity; procurement is the nodal agency's sole prerogative — iDEX FAQ
  • Only 31 procurement contracts vs 600+ winners and 400+ grant contracts by Dec 2024 — most winners did not get a production order by then (iDEX booklet)
  • Calls open only in windows; on 18 Oct 2026 nothing was accepting applications — iDEX challenges page

→Related schemes

Need help with iDEX DISC / OC?

Eligibility check, DPR and application file — ask us on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp usServices

Our interestHelp is our paid service. You can also apply for the scheme yourself.

Sources

  1. iDEX — FAQ
  2. iDEX — Challenges page (status as on 18 Oct 2026)
  3. iDEX — home page (news: DISC 14 & ADITI 4 launched 19 Mar 2026)
  4. iDEX — A Runway for Innovations (booklet, figures as of 31 Dec 2024)

Checked on 18 October 2026. For information only — confirm with the department or bank. Spotted a mistake? Report it.