ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) - Ministry of Defence | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

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ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX)

Updated: 17 Oct 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Defence
Beneficiary: Miscellaneous

Overview

The scheme aims to develop 30 critical deep-tech and strategic technologies to reduce dependence on foreign OEMs. It provides grants under ADITI and iDEX, promotes indigenization, and conducts technology foresight and monitoring.

Quick facts

  • Purpose: Develop around 30 critical deep-tech and strategic technologies currently lacking in the country
  • Components: Grant-in-Aid to ADITI winners and to Partner Incubators (PIs)
  • Technologies Covered: Critical technologies essential for national security
  • Tenure: FY 2023-2024 to FY 2025-2026

Objectives 

  • Indigenisation of critical technologies and reduction of dependencies on foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
  • Spiral development within ADITI scheme and also spiral development of products developed under existing iDEX scheme.
  • Build "Technology Watch Tool" and conduct technology foresight workshops.

Salient features

 

  • Background: The ADITI Scheme is a sub-scheme under the iDEX framework by the Department of Defence Production (DDP).
IDEX overview showing its 2018 launch for defense innovation, key initiatives including DISC and challenges, funding opportunities up to 1.5 Cr, and management by Defence Innovation Organization.

ADITI challenge: 

  • Winners: Up to two winners per challenge; each applicant can win only one challenge at a time. 
  • Scope: ADITI scheme includes iDEX Prime challenges launched after ADITI Scheme approval. 
  • Partner Incubators (PIs): A network of 10 PIs will be developed to offer specialized support and mentorship.
  • Financial Support (Grant-in-Aid) 
    • For ADITI Winners: Up to 50% of product development costs, capped at ₹25 Cr per winner. 
    • For Partner Incubators: 
      • Milestone Payments: ₹1.5 lakh per milestone (6 milestones total) based on facilitation/completion for associated challenge winners 
      • Activity-Based Support: Funds for building defense startup pipelines, providing mentorship, and ecosystem outreach.
  • Monitoring: The grant utilization and progress will be monitored by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) through PIs.

Eligibility for ADITI Challenge 

  • Startups: Recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 
  • Indian Companies: Registered under Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily MSMEs as per MSME Act, 2006. 
  • Individual Innovators: Includes researchers and academics registered as startups/MSMEs.
  • Eligibility for iDEX Partner Incubators (PIs) 
    • Grants Legal Status: Must be a registered legal entity in public, private, or public-private partnership mode, with Government of India grant support (ongoing or received). 
    • Experience:
      • At least 5 years of operation. 
      • Incubated/funded 10+ defenserelated startups. 
      • Incubated at least 5 startups in the last 3 years that are still operational. 
      • Managed 2+ sector-focused accelerator programs in the last 5 years (e.g., Deep Tech, Defense, AI/ML, Cyber).
    • Resources: Minimum 25 mentors, including 5 defense/aerospace SMEs and 2 investment experts. 
    • Networking:  Adequate collaboration with industry, academia, and government institutions to support ADITI winners.