DISC 14 (Defence India Startup Challenge)
Defence Innovation Organisation
📌 About the Challenge
The 14th edition of DISC is one of the most significant innovation drives by iDEX, featuring 82 high-priority problem statements curated by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It provides a structured pathway for startups and MSMEs to transition from “Lab to Battlefield” by providing non-dilutive grants and direct access to military testing grounds.
ℹ️ Challenge Details
- Total Problem Statements: 82 (Army: 26, Navy: 24, Air Force: 25, Coast Guard: 7).
- Focus Areas: AI/ML, Drone Systems, Electronic Warfare (EW), Space Tech, and Advanced Materials.
- Funding Type: SPARK Grant (Equity-free, milestone-based).
- Eligibility: Indian Startups, MSMEs, Individual Innovators, and Academic Institutions.
📅 Critical Timeline
- Technical Query Deadline: April 21, 2026 (Closed—for clarifying specs).
- Final Submission Deadline: May 04, 2026
- Time: 05:00 PM IST
- Selection Process: Technical screening followed by a high-level Pitch Day.
🏆 Grants & Benefits
- Funding: Up to ₹1.5 Crore per project.
- Release Pattern: 10% kick-off fund, followed by tranches linked to prototype development.
- Mentorship: Access to Nodal Officers from the Armed Forces to refine your solution.
- Future Prospects: Winners are eligible to scale up to iDEX PRIME (Grants up to ₹10 Crore).
🔍 Sample Problem Statements (1–10 Overview)
| Challenge | Problem Statement | Service |
| 1 | AI Module for UAS for Autonomous Recognition, Identification & Targeting | Army |
| 2 | Modular & Scalable Multi-role Ammunition for UAS | Army |
| 3 | Standardisation of Ground Control Station (GCS) | Army |
| 4 | Swarm Tech Heavy Payload Logistics Drones (200 Kg capacity) | Army |
| 5 | ALS 2.5 Ton Vehicle Mounted Barrel Handling Swivel Arm | Army |
| 6 | Heavy Load Carrying Drone with IC Engine | Army |
| 7 | Man-portable ELINT System with ESM Capabilities | Army |
| 8 | Helicopter-Mounted Anti-Drone System | Army |
| 9 | Automatic Snow Chain System for Army “B” Vehicles | Army |
| 10 | AI Enabled Gun Area Recce System | Army |
📋 Extended Challenge List
- Challenge 18: Ku-band Radar for Drone Detection (Air Force).
- Challenge 34: Maritime Security Analytics Software with AI/ML (Coast Guard).
- Challenge 44: Universal Digital Gauge for Firing Pin Efficiency (Navy).
- Challenge 56: High-Efficiency Space-Grade Silicon–Perovskite Tandem Solar Panels (Space Agency).
- Challenge 81: Underwater Welding Electrode (Navy).
🔗 Official Access & Application
- Detailed PDF (All 82 Problems): Download DISC 14 Descriptions
- Application Link: Apply on iDEX Portal