DRISHTI Challenges (DPSU – Driven Defence Innovation Program)
Offered By - Government Of India, Ministry of Defence
About the Program
DRISHTI Challenges is designed specifically for Indian startups, innovators, and technology developers working in deep-tech, defence, and strategic sectors. It connects them directly with real-world problem statements issued by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The program—“DPSU-driven Research & Innovation for Strategic and High-impact Technology Integration”—focuses on solving 101 verified defence and industrial challenges sourced from major Indian DPSUs such as HAL, BEL, BEML, and others . These challenges span advanced domains like aerospace systems, AI, radar technologies, cyber systems, robotics, materials engineering, and electronic warfare.
Each problem statement comes with:
- A clearly defined technical requirement
- A tentative development budget (ranging from lakhs to multi-crore levels)
- A designated point of contact within the DPSU
Unlike generic accelerators, DRISHTI is problem-first and deployment-oriented. Startups are expected to build solutions aligned with defence-grade specifications, often including prototyping, testing, and compliance with military standards.
This program sits at the deep-tech validation and commercialization stage, where startups can move from prototype to real-world deployment in defence ecosystems. It also enables indigenization, replacing imports with locally developed technologies—a key priority in India’s defence strategy.
From a founder’s perspective, this is best suited for startups already working on advanced engineering or defence-aligned products. It’s most valuable when you have strong technical capability and are ready to build to strict specifications—this is not an idea-stage program but a high-stakes execution opportunity.
Offerings / Benefits:
- Project-based funding (up to ₹10 Cr depending on challenge)
- Direct collaboration with DPSUs (e.g., HAL, BEL, GRSE, BEML)
- Opportunity to build defence-grade products
- Access to real-world deployment environments
- Potential long-term procurement opportunities
Sectors Supported:
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Defence & Military Systems
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Electronics & Radar Systems
- Robotics & Automation
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Open to innovators, startups, and technology developers (not explicitly restricted but implied by challenge structure)
- Must be capable of developing solutions aligned with defence-grade technical specifications
- Must address one of the listed DPSU problem statements
- Strong R&D or engineering capability required
Best suited for: Deep-tech, defence-tech, AI, electronics, and advanced manufacturing startups in India
Selection Process
- Application submission through the official platform
- Initial screening based on eligibility and concept strength
- Evaluation based on innovation, scalability, and impact
- Shortlisting of selected applicants
- Final selection by the organizing body
The exact selection process may vary depending on program guidelines.
How to Apply
- Review the list of 101 problem statements published under DRISHTI
- Identify a relevant challenge aligned with your expertise
- Prepare a technical proposal/solution approach
- Contact the designated Point of Contact (PoC) mentioned for that challenge
- Submit your proposal as per instructions provided by the respective DPSU
Frequently Asked Questions
- Open to innovators, startups, and technology developers (not explicitly restricted but implied by challenge structure)
- Must be capable of developing solutions aligned with defence-grade technical specifications
- Must address one of the listed DPSU problem statements
- Strong R&D or engineering capability required
Best suited for: Deep-tech, defence-tech, AI, electronics, and advanced manufacturing startups in India
Source & Verification
All information is compiled from publicly available sources. Refer to the links below for most accurate & updated details. Disclaimer
- Source 1: idex.gov.in
- Source 2: idex.gov.in
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