GrantDRDO / Ministry of DefenceVerified 11 May 2026Official source

DRDO Dare to Dream — Defence Innovation Contest

Cash grants for innovators and startups solving Indian defence and security technology challenges. Individual innovators can win up to ₹10L; startups can receive grants up to ₹1.5 Cr. Unlike iDEX, Dare to Dream accepts open innovation proposals without mandatory problem statement alignment — making it more accessible for early-stage defence-tech ideas.

Maximum amount
₹1.5Cr
Typical payout
₹10.0L
Processing time
10–24 weeks
Application window
Periodic contest cycles — typically 1-2 per year. Monitor drdo.gov.in for announcements.

Eligibility criteria

Company type
Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company, Proprietorship
Stage
Idea Stage, Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr)
States
All India (nationwide)
Sectors
deeptech, ai, iot, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, robotics, cybersecurity, electronics, other

Documents required

1
Innovation / Product Concept Brief
Detailed description of your technology, its defence application, and novelty
Tip: Must have a clear defence or national security application — dual-use technologies are acceptable
2
Team Profile
Founder and technical team credentials
Tip: Defence domain expertise or prior R&D experience strengthens the application
3
Prototype or Demo (if available)
Any existing prototype, CAD models, simulation results, or demo video
Tip: Even a simulation or working model significantly improves chances
4
Incorporation Certificate
Company registration (for startup track) or identity proof (for individual track)
Tip: Individuals without company registration can apply for the individual track

How to apply for DRDO D2D

1
Monitor drdo.gov.in/dare-to-dream for the next open contest cycle announcementOpen portal
2
Register on the DRDO portal and submit your innovation proposal during the open application window
3
DRDO technical experts evaluate submissions on defence relevance, innovation, and feasibility (8-12 weeks)
4
Shortlisted innovators present at a DRDO evaluation event (pitch/demo day)
5
Winners receive cash grant; startups selected for further development may receive additional DRDO mentoring and lab access

Does your startup qualify for DRDO D2D?

Answer a few questions about your company and get a personalised eligibility report across all active government schemes — including DRDO D2D.

Check your eligibility — free

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for DRDO D2D?

DRDO D2D is available to Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company, Proprietorship companies at the Idea Stage, Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr) stage, across all Indian states (nationwide).

How much funding does DRDO D2D provide?

DRDO D2D provides up to ₹1.5Cr. Most applicants receive around ₹10.0L.

How long does DRDO D2D approval take?

The typical processing time from submission to disbursement is 10–24 weeks.

Is DRDO D2D currently accepting applications?

Yes, DRDO D2D is currently active and accepting applications. Application window: Periodic contest cycles — typically 1-2 per year. Monitor drdo.gov.in for announcements..

Information is based on publicly available scheme guidelines. Last verified 11 May 2026. Always verify with official sources before applying.