New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement with a start-up under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme for the indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications.
The agreement has been signed with Zero mK India Private Limited, a start-up based in Alwar, Rajasthan, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced cryogenics and quantum technologies.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi between the Director, TDF, and representatives of Zero mK India Private Limited.
First High-Value Agreement Under ₹500 Crore TDF Corpus
The project is the first high-value agreement for a deep-tech project under the ₹500 crore corpus approved earlier by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh for the development of deep-tech and cutting-edge technologies.
The initiative is aimed at promoting collaboration between DRDO and Indian industry, particularly start-ups working on advanced and emerging technologies.
Key highlights include:
- Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Scheme: Technology Development Fund (TDF)
- Industry partner: Zero mK India Private Limited
- Location of start-up: Alwar, Rajasthan
- Project: Indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator
- Application: Quantum computing and associated quantum technologies
- TDF corpus: ₹500 crore
- Agreement location: New Delhi
The project is expected to contribute to the development of indigenous capabilities in specialised cryogenic infrastructure required for advanced quantum applications.
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What Is a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator?
A dilution refrigerator is a specialised cryogenic system designed to achieve extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range.
Such ultra-low-temperature environments are important for the operation and testing of several quantum computing platforms and associated quantum technologies.
The indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (20 mK) class dilution refrigerator will therefore focus on building critical infrastructure needed for advanced quantum technology applications within the country.
Developing this capability domestically can also help reduce dependence on imported cryogenic systems and support the growth of India’s domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
Project Aligned With National Quantum Mission
The project is aligned with the objectives of the National Quantum Mission and is aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in several strategic technology areas.
The initiative will support:
- Advanced cryogenic technology
- Quantum computing infrastructure
- Indigenous quantum technology capabilities
- Deep-tech innovation
- Strategic technology development
- Domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance
The development of indigenous dilution refrigerator technology is expected to contribute to a stronger and more self-reliant ecosystem for quantum technologies in India.
DRDO-Industry Collaboration to Support Deep-Tech Development
The agreement represents a collaborative effort between DRDO and industry in an emerging technology domain.
The TDF scheme is designed to support the development of indigenous technologies and encourage participation from Indian industry, including start-ups, in areas relevant to defence and strategic applications.
The project with Zero mK India is the first high-value deep-tech agreement under the newly approved ₹500 crore corpus, setting a precedent for further collaboration in cutting-edge technology areas.
Rajnath Singh Congratulates DRDO and Industry Teams
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the industry partner and all stakeholders associated with the project.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would establish an important precedent for future DRDO-industry collaborations in emerging technology domains.
Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams involved and wished them success in achieving the objectives of the project.
DRDO Officials and Stakeholders Attend Agreement Signing
Several senior DRDO officials and stakeholders were present during the signing of the agreement.
Those present included:
- Director General, Micro Electronic Devices & Computational System and Cyber Security (DG MCC)
- Director General, Technology Management (DG TM)
- Director, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL)
- Other officials and stakeholders associated with the project
The project is being monitored, mentored and supported by the Director, SSPL, and his team.
Strengthening India’s Quantum-Ready Ecosystem
The indigenous development of a 20 mK dilution refrigerator is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and other strategic technology areas.By supporting domestic development of specialised infrastructure, the project seeks to reduce reliance on imported systems while creating capabilities that can support future quantum research and technology development in India.
The agreement also demonstrates the role of the TDF scheme in bringing together government research organisations and Indian start-ups for the development of advanced technologies.
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