What is Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed the first high-value deep tech project agreement with a startup — Zero mK India Private Limited towards — collaborative effort for indigenous development of a 20 mK dilution refrigerator for quantum applications. 

• The agreement was signed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. 

What is dilution refrigerator?

• Dilution refrigerators are specialised cryogenic systems capable of achieving extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range. 

• Such an ultra-low-temperature environment is essential for the operation and testing of several quantum computing platforms and associated quantum technologies. 

• Significance of this MoU: The indigenous development of 20 mK-class dilution refrigerator aligns with the National Quantum Mission and strengthens India’s capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies. This will contribute towards reducing dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure and strengthening the domestic quantum technology ecosystem.

What is Technology Development Fund?

• Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been established to promote self-reliance in defence technology as a part of the 'Make in India' initiative. 

• It is a programme executed by DRDO to meet the requirements of tri-services, defence production and DRDO. 

• The scheme encourages participation of public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, so as to create an eco-system for enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence application by inculcating R&D culture in industry. 

• The implementing partner for the scheme is Global Innovation & Technology Alliance, a not-for-profit Section-8 Public Private Partnership (PPP) company promoted jointly by the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), government of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).