DRDO Signs First High-Value TDF Deep Tech Pact with Quantum Start-up

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has entered into its first high-value deep technology project agreement with a start-up under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. The partner is Zero mK India Private Limited, a start-up based at Alwar in Rajasthan, and the work to be done is the building of a 20 millikelvin (mK) dilution refrigerator within the country for quantum applications.

What the agreement covers

Papers were exchanged in New Delhi between the Director of TDF and the start-up. The project draws on the Rs 500 crore corpus that Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh had earlier cleared for deep tech and cutting-edge work, and it is the first big-ticket agreement to be funded from that pool. The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) is mentoring, monitoring and supporting the project through its Director and his team.

Why the machine matters

A dilution refrigerator is a specialised cryogenic system that pushes temperature down into the millikelvin range, an environment far colder than deep space. Quantum computing platforms and the technologies built around them can only be operated and tested inside such ultra-cold conditions, which is why the machine sits at the heart of every quantum laboratory. India has so far leaned on imported cryogenic hardware of this class, and each unit is expensive and slow to procure.

Link with the National Quantum Mission

Making the 20 mK class machine at home fits the goals of the National Quantum Mission. Officials expect the effort to deepen Indian strength in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies, to trim dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure and to feed a self-reliant, quantum-ready ecosystem of domestic suppliers and researchers.

Who said what

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, the industry and every stakeholder tied to the project, and said he was confident the partnership would set a precedent for future DRDO-industry collaborations in emerging technology domains. Defence Secretary and Chairman, DRDO, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh greeted the teams and wished them success in meeting the project goals. The Director General of Micro Electronic Devices and Computational System and Cyber Security, the Director General of Technology Management and the Director of SSPL were among those present at the signing.