Organization · Government VC
iDEX - DIO
iDEX-DIO is a not-for-profit organization under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, established to foster innovation in the defence and aerospace sectors. It connects startups and MSMEs with the Indian Armed Forces, providing grants for technology development.
Overview
What iDEX - DIO does
What iDEX - DIO is
iDEX-DIO is a not-for-profit organization under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, established to foster innovation in the defence and aerospace sectors. It connects startups and MSMEs with the Indian Armed Forces, providing grants for technology development.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Government VC
- Founded
- Founded in 2018
- Approximate age
- About 8 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
Official channels
Find iDEX - DIO elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
iDEX - DIO as a funder
Investment thesis
iDEX-DIO aims to build a self-reliant domestic defence industrial base by engaging startups and MSMEs to solve operational technology challenges defined by the Indian Armed Forces and Defence Public Sector Undertakings.
Focus narrative
DIO's primary focus is to promote innovation in Indian defence through the iDEX framework. It supports startups and MSMEs in developing technologies that can be adopted by the Armed Forces and other agencies, thereby nurturing future defence enterprises and enhancing India's self-reliance in defence technology.
Value beyond capital
DIO provides non-dilutive grants to selected startups and innovators, enabling them to develop solutions to specific technology challenges set by the armed services. This support includes funding for prototype development and pathways for procurement by the Indian defence sector.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $180,000–$3,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $1,800,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 619
Portfolio context
DIO has engaged 619 startups and MSMEs through its iDEX framework, addressing 549 problem statements in various domains including drones, sensors, and cryptography. While specific notable companies are not detailed, the program has awarded 430 contracts to support the development of innovative solutions in defence technology.
Common questions
What to know about iDEX - DIO
Upseed classifies iDEX - DIO under the Government VC organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.