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Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme Promoting ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in Defence
Context: The TDF scheme is instrumental in advancing ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in the defence sector, encouraging start-ups and MSMEs to develop capabilities in advanced technology.
The Technology Development Fund :
- TDF scheme is a flagship program of the Ministry of Defence.
- It is executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- It aims to enhance capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promote self-reliance (‘Atma Nirbharta’) in the defence sector.
- This is achieved by encouraging the participation of public and private industries, particularly start-ups and MSMEs.
- To date, 77 projects worth over Rs 300 crore have been sanctioned and successful realisation of 27 defence technologies have been done under the scheme.
- Objectives of the TDF Scheme
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- Grant in Aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, and academic/scientific institutions.
- This funding is for developing defence and dual-use technologies not available in the Indian defence industry.
- Engage private industries in designing and developing military technology, supporting them with grants.
- Concentrate on research, design, and development of niche technologies being developed for the first time in the country.
- Establish a bridge among the Armed Forces, research organisations, academia, and private sector entities.
- Support the futuristic technologies having a Proof of Concept and converting them into prototypes.
- Grant in Aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, and academic/scientific institutions.
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- Funding: Projects up to INR 10 Crores will be considered for funding subject to a maximum of 90% of the total project cost in general.
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- However, up to 100% funding may be considered under the scheme, on a case-to-case basis.
- Duration of project: Not exceed a development period of two years.
- Academia and Research Institution Involvement: Their work involvement cannot exceed 40% of the total efforts required.
Success Stories:
- Combat Robotics, Pune, developed an Innovative Simulator for Unmanned Vehicles under Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), DRDO
- ChiStats Labs Private Limited, Pune developed:
- Virtual Sensors for Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health Monitoring and
- Tools for Data Assessment, Active Learning & Believability for Visual Data