New Delhi, Sept 25 (KNN) The last date for submission of applications for the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC), being organized by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), has been extended till October 31, 2018, said Ministry of Defence.

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

The challenge was launched on August 04, 2018 by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to help create functional prototypes of products/technologies relevant for national security (prototyping).

Eleven focus areas/problem statements have been identified under this challenge includes Individual Protection System with in-built sensors, See Through Armour, Carbon Fibre Winding (CFW), Active Protection System (APS), Secure hardware based offline Encryptor Device for Graded Security, Development of 4G/LTE based Tactical Local Area Network, Development of Advanced Technology Based Desalination System (Water Purification) and Bilge Oily Water Separation System, Artificial Intelligence in Logistics & SCM,  Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles, Remotely Piloted Airborne Vehicles and Laser Weaponry.

Applicants (startups/MSMEs & individuals) showing capability, intent, and promise to be able to produce functional prototypes or to productize existing technologies in areas listed above will be awarded up to Rs. 1.5 crores, strictly on a milestone basis in the form of grant/equity/debt/other relevant structures along with incubation and mentoring support.

All the applications for this Challenge will be accepted online, and only through the dedicated form on the official website (aim.gov.in/idex/) by October 31, 2018.