• Founders will gain direct access to the Indian Army by working on real problem statements
  • Extends T-Hub’s existing work with Western Command; move to accelerate growth of indigenous defence startups
  • T-Hub already works with 70+ defence startups, which have received commercial orders worth over ₹250 crore

Hyderabad, August 25, 2026: T-Hub, the world’s largest home for startups, has joined forces with the Central Command of the Indian Army. This partnership will create a direct path for defence startups to work with the Indian Army on practical military deployments. Founders will develop and validate technologies to tackle active military challenges, advancing India’s defence modernisation.

This builds on T-Hub’s existing partnership with the Western Command of the Indian Army making it one of the select few entities nationally with standing, direct relationships at the Command level. T-Hub is also one of 28 organisations selected to implement the Ministry of Defence led iDEX scheme. T-Hub is the largest iDEX incubator in the country, having engaged 100+ defence startups and hosted 70+ challenges under the iDEX scheme. Through iDEX, T-Hub startups have unlocked over ₹250 crore in commercial defence orders, supported by ₹4.2 crore+ in grants and ₹9 crore worth of PoCs delivered.

Under the partnership, T-Hub will receive active problem statements from the Central Command of the Indian Army and will identify and select relevant startups to address these challenges. A joint oversight committee will supervise programme execution and engagements between startups and Army stakeholders.

Commenting on the development, Kavikrut, CEO, T-Hub, said: “What founders need is direct engagement with end users to ensure their technologies meet real deployment conditions. This collaboration creates that pathway. This partnership reflects strong confidence in the calibre of Indian defence startups and in Hyderabad’s ability to build technologies that can address critical requirements.”

Official Spokesperson, Central Command, Indian Army, said: “The Indian Army is committed to encouraging indigenous technologies that address military requirements. With our association with T-Hub, we are able to gain access to startups and young founders who are building technologies for on-ground needs. We remain committed to supporting solutions that strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces.”

For defence startups, this means building solutions that reach deployment. T-Hub will help founders move from problem statement to a deployable solution by supporting product development, validation and market readiness, while working with Army stakeholders to incorporate operational feedback and meet deployment requirements.