ADITI Scheme

(Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX)

Background

• The ADITI Scheme is not an independent scheme. It is actually a sub-scheme under the iDEX framework (Innovations for Defence Excellence).
• It was launched by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) with the specific goal of pushing deep-tech and strategic defence technologies.
• Timeline: From FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26.

👉 So, you can think of ADITI as a focused effort within iDEX to target the most critical and sensitive defence technologies which India currently lacks.

Purpose

• The scheme aims to develop around 30 critical deep-tech technologies that are essential for India’s national security.
• The broader goal is indigenisation – reducing our dependence on foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
• Example: Instead of importing missile guidance systems or cyber defence tools, India wants to build its own.

Objectives

• Indigenisation of critical defence technologies.
• Encourage spiral development (continuous upgradation and improvement) – both for new technologies under ADITI and for products already being developed under iDEX.
• Create a Technology Watch Tool and conduct technology foresight workshops – essentially to anticipate future tech needs.

Components

• Grant-in-Aid to ADITI Winners → These are startups, MSMEs, or innovators whose ideas are selected under the ADITI challenges.
• Grant-in-Aid to Partner Incubators (PIs) → These are institutions that mentor and support startups.

Key Features

1. ADITI Challenge
   • Winners: Up to two per challenge.
   • One applicant can win only one challenge at a time.
   • Scope also includes iDEX Prime challenges launched after ADITI approval.
2. Partner Incubators (PIs)
   • A network of 10 incubators will be created.
   • They will provide mentorship, technical guidance, and ecosystem support.
3. Financial Support
   • For ADITI Winners:
     • Up to 50% of product development costs, capped at ₹25 crore per winner.
   • For Partner Incubators:
     • Milestone payments – ₹1.5 lakh per milestone × 6 milestones.
     • Activity-based support – for ecosystem building, startup pipelines, outreach etc.
4. Monitoring
   • Handled by Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), through the PIs.

Eligibility

• For ADITI Challenge:
  1. Startups → Must be recognized by DPIIT.
  2. Indian Companies → Registered under Companies Act (1956/2013), primarily MSMEs.
  3. Individual Innovators → Researchers or academics who can register as startups/MSMEs.
• For Partner Incubators (PIs):

• Must have legal status (public, private, or PPP mode).
• At least 5 years of operation.
• Track record:
  • Supported 10+ defence startups.
  • At least 5 operational startups incubated in the last 3 years.
  • Managed 2+ accelerator programs in 5 years (in areas like Deep Tech, AI/ML, Defence, Cyber).
• Resources:
  • 25+ mentors (including 5 defence/aerospace SMEs and 2 investment experts).
• Strong networking with industry, academia, and government institutions.

Why is ADITI Important?

• India is often dependent on foreign defence suppliers for critical technologies.
• ADITI ensures that our startups and MSMEs get the funding, mentorship, and platform to create such technologies.
• This aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.

✅ In summary:
ADITI is a specialized sub-scheme under iDEX, targeting 30 deep-tech defence technologies. It offers massive funding (up to ₹25 crore per winner), builds a support ecosystem through incubators, and focuses on reducing import dependency while building an indigenous innovation pipeline for the Indian defence sector.