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DRDO Signs First High-Value Deep Tech Project Under TDF Scheme
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed the first high-value deep tech project agreement with a start-up under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. The agreement provides for indigenous development of a dilution refrigerator under the TDF scheme.
Technology Development Fund Scheme:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Established under | The TDF scheme is established to promote self-reliance in Defence Technology as a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. |
| Objective | The scheme provides for encouraging participation of public and private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, to create an ecosystem for enhancing cutting-edge technology capability in the defence sector. |
| Nodal ministry | The scheme is governed by the Ministry of Defence. |
| Executing agency | The scheme is executed by DRDO to promote self-reliance in cutting-edge defence and aerospace technologies. |
| Maximum project duration | The scheme mandates a maximum development period of 4 years. |
| Funding support | The scheme provides for considering project cost up to ₹50 crore for funding, and funding may be up to 90% of the total project cost. |
| Eligible entity types | Eligibility comprises a public limited company, a private limited company, a partnership firm, a limited liability partnership, a one-person company, or a sole proprietorship registered as per applicable Indian laws, and registered in India. |
| Ownership and control condition | Eligibility mandates that the industry is owned and controlled by a resident Indian citizen. |
| Foreign investment condition | Entities with excess of 49% foreign investment are not eligible. |
| Startup recognition requirement | Eligibility mandates that startups are recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as per Government of India guidelines. |
| Nascent startup | Nascent startups comprise startups incorporated for less than 3 years from the date of submission of application. |
| Incubation requirement for nascent startups | Eligibility mandates that a nascent startup is incubated at one of the Central or State government assisted incubators. |
| Restriction on similar-technology grants | Eligibility mandates that startups have not received any grants or grants-in-aid by any government scheme for a similar technology. |
| Startup shareholding condition | Eligibility mandates that the startup is owned and controlled by a resident Indian citizen with a shareholding of at least 51%. |