The Ministry of Defence launched 107 innovation challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework at the National Defence Industries Conclave held in New Delhi on 19 March 2026. The initiative is aimed at advancing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and strengthening participation from start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In an official statement, the Ministry said the challenges include 82 problem statements under the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC-14) and 25 under ADITI Challenges 4.0, sourced from the Defence Forces, Indian Coast Guard and Defence Space Agency. In addition, 101 innovation challenges from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) were introduced to promote design-led innovation and facilitate integration of MSMEs into defence supply chains.
“India must work in a mission mode to emerge as a global hub of indigenous drone manufacturing in the next few years,” said Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, during the inaugural session. He added that “from the drone’s molds to its software, engines, and batteries, everything must be manufactured in India.”
The Ministry stated that DPSUs will support selected projects through funding, mentorship and access to testing facilities, while also enabling potential procurement opportunities. The programmes are intended to accelerate development across areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and additive manufacturing.
According to the statement, 676 start-ups, MSMEs and innovators have joined the defence innovation ecosystem through iDEX since 2018. A total of 548 contracts have been signed and 566 challenges launched. Of these, 58 prototypes have received procurement clearance valued at approximately INR 38.53 billion, while 45 procurement contracts worth around INR 23.26 billion have been signed.
“Of these, 58 prototypes have received clearance for procurement, valued at around Rs 3,853 crore. Furthermore, 45 procurement contracts have already been signed, worth nearly Rs 2,326 crore,” Singh said.
The Ministry said the conclave also focused on strengthening indigenous drone manufacturing, highlighting the need to develop domestic capabilities across components and subsystems. It noted that dependence on imported components remains a challenge in the global drone supply chain.
The statement added that MSMEs are increasingly adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and additive manufacturing. It also highlighted policy measures including a three-pronged approach in the Union Budget to provide equity, liquidity and professional support to MSMEs.
The number of MSMEs in India has increased from approximately 46.7 million in 2012–13 to nearly 80 million, reflecting growth in entrepreneurship and industrial participation, the Ministry said.
The Ministry of Defence oversees policy development, procurement frameworks and industrial initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and technological capabilities.
