The Aditi Scheme (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India to promote innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies. It was officially launched by the Hon’ble Defence Minister during DefConnect 2024 on 4th March 2024 in New Delhi.
The scheme falls under the umbrella of the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production (DDP). It focuses on deep-tech research and development (R&D) in key areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, advanced cyber capabilities, semiconductors, autonomous systems, and underwater surveillance technologies.
The Aditi Scheme is designed to strengthen India’s defence ecosystem by nurturing startups, MSMEs, and innovators. By doing so, it seeks to bridge the gap between the requirements of modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of India’s defence innovation ecosystem.
When was the Aditi Scheme Launched?
The Aditi Scheme was launched on 4th March 2024 by the Defence Minister of India during DefConnect 2024, a premier defence innovation event. The event brought together startups, innovators, Armed Forces, policymakers, academia, and defence industry leaders to collaborate and showcase cutting-edge technologies.
Why was the Aditi Scheme Introduced?
India’s defence sector has long relied on imported technologies and equipment. This has created challenges in terms of cost, dependency, and security. The Aditi Scheme was introduced to:
- Promote self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence production.
- Reduce import dependency on critical technologies.
- Encourage indigenous innovation in deep-tech strategic areas.
- Bridge the gap between defence requirements and available solutions.
- Support startups and young innovators in creating globally competitive defence products.
What are the Objectives of the Aditi Scheme?
The main objectives of the Aditi Scheme are:
- Innovation in Defence: To encourage startups and MSMEs to create deep-tech solutions for defence and aerospace challenges.
- Development of Critical Technologies: To develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies during the scheme’s period (2023-24 to 2025-26).
- Bridging Gaps: To create a Technology Watch Tool that aligns the needs of the Armed Forces with the capabilities of innovators.
- Youth Empowerment: To motivate young innovators through grants, recognition, and challenges.
- Self-Reliance: To strengthen India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.
- Collaboration: To foster collaboration between the government, startups, defence industry, and academia.
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What is the Time Period and Budget of the Aditi Scheme?
The Aditi Scheme has a financial outlay of ₹750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26.
This three-year time frame is crucial to support innovation, test prototypes, and transform them into deployable technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.
Who is Eligible Under the Aditi Scheme?
The scheme primarily focuses on startups and innovators.
- Startups working in deep-tech defence areas are eligible.
- MSMEs, individual innovators, and academia may also participate in specific challenges.
- Startups can receive grant-in-aid of up to ₹25 crore to support their research, development, and innovation projects.
What Kind of Financial Support is Provided Under the Aditi Scheme?
The Aditi Scheme provides financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid:
- Up to ₹25 crore per startup for defence-related R&D projects.
- Grants are released on a milestone basis after assessment.
- This support enables innovators to move from concept to prototype to deployment.
The Aditi Scheme works alongside other iDEX initiatives like:
- SPARK (Support for Prototype & Research Kickstart in Defence): Provides up to ₹1.5 crore to startups.
- iDEX Prime: Supports projects requiring between ₹1.5 crore and ₹10 crore.
What are the Focus Areas of the Aditi Scheme?
The Aditi Scheme focuses on emerging and deep technologies critical to India’s defence ecosystem. These include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Technologies (QT)
- Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions
- Autonomous Weapons and Systems
- Advanced Underwater Surveillance Systems
- Satellite Communication Applications
- Semiconductor Technologies
- Wearable Defence Technologies
How Many Challenges have been Launched Under the Aditi Scheme?
In the first edition of the Aditi Scheme, 17 challenges were launched across various defence services:
- Indian Army – 3 challenges
- Indian Navy – 5 challenges
- Indian Air Force – 5 challenges
- Defence Space Agency – 4 challenges
How does Aditi Scheme Linked with iDEX and iDEX Prime?
The iDEX framework was launched in April 2018 under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). Its goal is to support innovation in the Indian defence sector by engaging startups, MSMEs, and academia.
- iDEX: Offers grants (up to ₹1.5 crore) to startups for prototype development.
- iDEX Prime: Launched in 2019 to support larger projects, increasing assistance from ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore.
- Aditi Scheme: A sub-scheme under iDEX, expanding funding to up to ₹25 crore for critical and strategic technologies.
What is the Role of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)?
The Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) is the implementing body of iDEX and its sub-schemes.
- DIO is a Section 8 company formed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- It acts as a bridge between the requirements of the Armed Forces and the capabilities of startups and innovators.
- DIO supports innovation through funding, incubation, and mentoring.
What is SPARK in Defence Innovation?
SPARK (Support for Prototype & Research Kickstart in Defence) is an initiative under iDEX.
- It funds startups selected through the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC).
- Provides up to ₹1.5 crore in funding for prototype development.
- Funding is milestone-based and can be in the form of grant, equity, or debt.
SPARK serves as the entry-level funding, while iDEX Prime and Aditi provide larger funding opportunities.
How does the Aditi Scheme Support Aatmanirbharta in Defence?
The Aditi Scheme is closely tied to the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
- Encourages indigenous development of technologies.
- Reduces import dependency in critical defence areas.
- Strengthens domestic defence production, which has already grown from ₹44,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1 lakh crore in recent years.
- Promotes innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
What was DefConnect 2024 and its Relevance to the Aditi Scheme?
DefConnect 2024 was a landmark event in India’s defence innovation journey.
- It provided a platform for startups, innovators, and investors to engage with the Armed Forces and defence industry.
- The Aditi Scheme was launched at this event by the Defence Minister.
- Technology showcases were held, highlighting advances in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and wearable defence tech.
- MoUs were signed under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH), encouraging investment in defence startups.
What is the Future of the Aditi Scheme?
The Aditi Scheme is expected to:
- Develop 30 deep-tech technologies by 2025-26.
- Inspire thousands of young innovators and startups.
- Strengthen India’s position as a global hub for defence technology innovation.
- Create a sustainable ecosystem for defence innovation through partnerships between the government, Armed Forces, industry, and academia.
Key Takeaway
| Aspect | Details |
| Scheme Name | Aditi Scheme (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) |
| Launched On | 4th March 2024 (DefConnect 2024) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Framework | iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) under Department of Defence Production |
| Budget | ₹750 crore |
| Duration | 2023-24 to 2025-26 |
| Funding Support | Up to ₹25 crore for startups |
| Target | Development of 30 deep-tech defence technologies |
| First Edition Challenges | 17 challenges (Army – 3, Navy – 5, Air Force – 5, Defence Space Agency – 4) |
| Focus Areas | AI, Quantum Tech, Cybersecurity, Semiconductors, Autonomous Systems, Underwater Surveillance, Satellite Communication |
| Key Objective | Promote self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) and reduce import dependence |
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Questions Based on Aditi Scheme
Q1. When was the Aditi Scheme launched?
A) January 2023
B) March 2024
C) April 2018
D) February 2025
E) December 2019
Answer: B) March 2024
Q2. Which ministry implements the Aditi Scheme?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Science and Technology
C) Ministry of Defence
D) Ministry of MSME
E) Ministry of Electronics and IT
Answer: C) Ministry of Defence
Q3. What is the financial outlay of the Aditi Scheme?
A) ₹500 crore
B) ₹600 crore
C) ₹750 crore
D) ₹1000 crore
E) ₹1500 crore
Answer: C) ₹750 crore
Q4. What is the funding limit per startup under the Aditi Scheme?
A) ₹1.5 crore
B) ₹5 crore
C) ₹10 crore
D) ₹25 crore
E) ₹50 crore
Answer: D) ₹25 crore
Q5. How many deep-tech technologies does the Aditi Scheme aim to develop?
A) 10
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
E) 40
Answer: D) 30
Q6. Under which framework does the Aditi Scheme fall?
A) Startup India
B) Digital India
C) iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)
D) Make in India 2.0
E) National Manufacturing Mission
Answer: C) iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)
Q7. How many challenges were launched in the first edition of the Aditi Scheme?
A) 12
B) 15
C) 17
D) 20
E) 25
Answer: C) 17
Q8. Which organisation implements the iDEX framework?
A) NITI Aayog
B) Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
C) HAL
D) DRDO
E) ISRO
Answer: B) Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
Q9. What does SPARK stand for in defence innovation?
A) Support for Prototype & Research Kickstart
B) Strategic Program for Advanced Research in Knowledge
C) Startup Promotion and Research Kickstart
D) Support for Patents and Research Knowledge
E) None of the above
Answer: A) Support for Prototype & Research Kickstart
Q10. Which event witnessed the launch of the Aditi Scheme?
A) Aero India 2023
B) DefConnect 2024
C) Startup India Summit
D) Bharat Drone Mahotsav
E) Digital India Week
Answer: B) DefConnect 2024
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