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Technology Development Fund Scheme
Context: The TDF scheme supports the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision by integrating new industries, especially startups and MSMEs, into defence technology design and manufacturing.
More on News:
- A total of 78 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme, with an approximate cost of Rs. 333.21 crore.
- So far, 27 technologies under 10 projects have been successfully developed.
About TDF:
- The TDF Scheme is a program initiated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Vision: To build an ecosystem to enhance cutting-edge technology capability for defence manufacturing and meet the requirements of Tri-Services, Defence Production, and DRDO.
- Objective: To promote self-reliance in defence technology as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Key Features:
- Financial assistance for prototype development and commercialisation. It covers up to 90% of the total project cost, with a maximum grant limit of INR 10 crore per project.
- Focus Areas: Aerospace Technologies, Naval Systems, Land Systems, Electronics and Communication, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Also promote research, design, and development of niche technologies being developed for the first time.
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to Indian companies, particularly MSMEs and startups. Demonstrated capability to develop the proposed technology.
- Must be registered under the Companies Act of India.
- Majority ownership by Indian citizens (at least 51%).
Notable Success Stories:
- Combat Robotics, Pune: Developed a multi-domain simulator for unmanned vehicles (UGVs, UUVs, USVs, UAVs) with comprehensive environmental modelling and intuitive control systems.
- ChiStats Labs Private Limited, Pune: Created virtual sensors for aero gas turbine engine health monitoring using AI/ML technologies to enhance reliability and longevity.
- NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru: Developed an autonomous drone for search and rescue operations in enclosed or indoor environments.
Challenges and Future Prospects:
- Some high-end projects require more funding than the current limits.
- Streamlining collaboration among industries, academia, and research institutions is essential for maximising the scheme’s impact.
- Supporting the transition from prototype development to full-scale production is necessary to ensure technologies effectively reach end-users.
