You can now submit applications for Defence India Startup Challenge till October 31

The last date for submission of applications to the Defence India Startup Challenge, being organized by the Defence Innovation Organisation, has been extended till October 31, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

The challenge has been launched by the Defence Innovation Organisation with support from the Department of Defence Production and Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog for the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme.

The challenge, launched on August 4 by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calls for proposals to address specific technology needs of the Indian defense establishment.

Applicants (startups/MSMEs and individuals) showing capability, intent, and promise to be able to produce functional prototypes or to make products out of existing technologies in the specified areas will be awarded up to Rs 1.5 crore, along with incubation and mentoring support.

The Defence India Startup Challenge has 11 problem statements by the Ministry of Defence, thrown open for prospective solutions to be provided by the Indian startup ecosystem.

The problem statement sectors include individual protection system with built-in sensors; see-through armor; carbon fiber winding; active protection system; development of 4G/LTE-based tactical local area network; artificial intelligence in logistics; unmanned surface and underwater vehicles; remotely piloted airborne vehicles and laser weaponry, among others.