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News: Raksha Mantri launched DISC-14 and ADITI 4.0 challenges during National Defence Industries Conclave 2026 to promote defence innovation and indigenous capabilities.
About Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC-14)
- Defence India Start-up Challenge is a flagship programme supporting startups, MSMEs, and innovators in defence and security.
- Inception: It was launched on August 4, 2018 by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
- Current edition: The 14th edition (DISC-14) was launched in 2026.
- Operates under: It operates under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework.
- Objective: It aims to achieve self-reliance by promoting innovation in defence and aerospace and reducing dependence on imports.
- Key Highlights of DISC-14
- Scale of Innovation: DISC-14 includes 82 problem statements from Defence Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Defence Space Agency.
- Focus Areas: It promotes development of functional prototypes and commercialization across various defence domains.
About ADITI Challenge under iDEX Framework
- ADITI is a sub-scheme under iDEX that promotes critical and strategic defence technologies.
- Inception: It was launched on March 4, 2024 by Defence Minister during DefConnect 2024.
- Current edition: The 4th edition (ADITI 4.0) was launched in 2026.
- Aim: It aims to develop advanced technologies, reduce dependence on foreign OEMs, and strengthen national security.
- Monitored by: It is monitored by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Board chaired by Secretary (Defence Production) through partner incubators.
- Key Features of the ADITI Scheme
- Substantial Funding: It provides grants up to 50 % of Product Development Budget, with a maximum limit of Rs 25 crore.
- Total Budget: The scheme has an outlay of Rs. 750 crore for three years from 2023–2026.
- Focus Areas: It includes satellite communication, cyber technologies, autonomous systems, nuclear technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and underwater surveillance.
- Technology Watch Tool: It is a mechanism to identify gaps between the needs of modern armed forces and available technologies. It helps in tracking progress of technologies, supports policy formation, and ensures that there is no duplication of efforts through technology foresight workshops.
