DRDO Signs First High-Value TDF Project for Indigenous Quantum Cryogenics

NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme with Zero mK India Pvt Ltd for the indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (mK)-class Dilution Refrigerator for quantum applications.

The project is supported by the ₹500 crore deep-tech corpus approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in quantum technology and advanced cryogenic systems.

Dilution refrigerators are critical infrastructure for operating several quantum technologies at extremely low temperatures. Developing such systems domestically is expected to reduce dependence on imported equipment and strengthen the country’s technological capabilities in a strategically important field.

The initiative also reflects DRDO’s efforts to promote industry-led innovation and indigenous deep-tech development through the TDF framework. The project is expected to contribute to a stronger, self-reliant and quantum-ready technology ecosystem in India, while supporting the broader objective of advancing cutting-edge research and specialised engineering capabilities.