iDEX is a government initiative that supports startups and innovators in building defence solutions so the military can access advanced, homegrown technologies and reduce reliance on imports. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is the operational framework of the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a special purpose vehicle under the aegis of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. • The iDEX framework was launched in 2018 to support the attainment of self-reliance in the fields of defence and defence production. • iDEX partners with incubators, i.e. Partner Incubators (PIs) to facilitate mentoring and access to infrastructure/test facilities to innovators, including amongst the smaller enterprises, startups and MSMES, to foster innovation in the defense sector in an integrated manner.