News: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over seven technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Services.
About the Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme
- The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is established under the Make in India initiative to promote self-reliance in defence technology.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Implemented by: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
- The scheme supports the technological needs of the Tri-Services, defence production agencies, and DRDO.
- Purpose:
- To empower Indian industry especially MSMEs and startups to innovate and develop advanced defence technologies.
- To build a robust ecosystem that strengthens India’s capability in cutting-edge defence manufacturing.
- Objective:
- To accelerate India’s path toward defence self-reliance by funding the development of indigenous technologies.
- To offer grants-in-aid and additional benefits that help industries create modern defence solutions
- Vision: To establish an ecosystem that boosts advanced technology development for defence, aligning with the requirements of the Tri-Services, Defence Production, and DRDO.
- Mission: To foster self-reliance by enabling the creation of state-of-the-art indigenous defence systems and technologies.
- Project Duration: The maximum period allowed for completing a project under the scheme is 4 years.
- Focus Areas:
- Major upgrades or new developments in existing defence products, processes, or applications.
- Advancing technology readiness levels (TRL) from TRL 3 onward to full product realization.
- Creation of futuristic or innovative technologies beneficial for defence use.
- Development of indigenous substitutes for imported components lacking domestic technology.
- Support is restricted to technologies or prototypes that have potential defence applications.
