ADITI Scheme 2026for Defence Innovation Startups

At up to ₹25 crore per startup, ADITI provides more non-dilutive government funding than any other Indian startup program in any sector.

ADITI-selected startups get direct access to military users for real-world testing and validation, the most credible product endorsement available in the defense technology market.

Unlike prototype-only grants, ADITI funds the complete journey from concept to production-ready system, eliminating the funding gap that kills deep tech defense startups between prototype and product.

Technologies successfully developed under ADITI are fast-tracked for armed forces procurement consideration, creating a direct path from development grant to government revenue contract.

ADITI-funded startups become nationally strategic technology companies, with government recognition, institutional visibility, and long-term procurement relationships that commercial startups cannot access.

Deep technologies developed under ADITI advanced materials, propulsion systems, AI surveillance, electronic warfare have significant commercial applications that generate parallel revenue streams beyond defense contracts.

Primary eligibility proof, mandatory for all ADITI applications without exception.

Legal identity of your company, required for iDEX portal registration and ADITI contract execution.

Required for MSMEs applying under ADITI, it confirms your classification as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise.

Detailed solution approach, development roadmap, TRL assessment, milestone plan, and budget breakdown, the core evaluation document for ADITI selection.

Detailed profiles of key technical team members, engineering qualifications, prior R&D experience, patents, publications, and relevant project history.

The last two years of audited financial statements are required for organizational capability and financial health assessment during due diligence.

Mandatory for contract execution, grant disbursement, and all financial transactions under the ADITI program.

Evidence of your existing development infrastructure: lab photos, equipment lists, and facility address proof, demonstrating your technical execution capability.

ADITI evaluators are armed forces technical experts, presenting a shallow technology concept without deep engineering substance results in immediate rejection.

Submitting a technology proposal that does not address a specific published ADITI challenge disqualifies your application regardless of the technology's quality or innovation.

Defense technology development always takes longer than anticipated; unrealistic timelines in your proposal damage your credibility and create contract compliance risks if selected.

Certain ADITI technology domains require security clearance for founders and key technical staff; initiate clearance processes immediately after incorporation, not after selection.

ADITI applications submitted without a valid DPIIT recognition certificate or Udyam registration are rejected at the eligibility screening stage without exception.

File provisional patents on your core technology innovations before submitting your ADITI technical proposal; technology disclosure in a competitive application process without IP protection creates significant risk.