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 Private Limited, Alwar, Rajasthan. The agreement covers the collaborative indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for quantum applications. The agreement was signed in New Delhi between the Director, TDF, and Zero mK India Private Limited.
The project is the first high-value agreement under the ₹500 crore corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects. The funding is aimed at supporting the development of advanced technologies through collaboration between DRDO and industry, including start-ups. The project will focus on developing indigenous capability for a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator, a technology required for quantum applications.
Dilution refrigerators are specialised cryogenic systems capable of achieving extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range. Such ultra-low-temperature environment is essential for the operation and testing of several quantum computing platforms and associated quantum technologies.
The indigenous development of 20 mK-class dilution refrigerator aligns with the National Quantum Mission and strengthens India’s capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies, contributing towards a self-reliant, quantum-ready ecosystem. This will contribute towards reducing dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure and strengthening the domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, industry and all stakeholders associated with this important project. He expressed confidence that the partnership will set an important precedent for future DRDO-Industry collaborations in emerging technology domains.
Congratulating the teams associated with the initiative, Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh wished them success in achieving the project objectives.
Director General, Micro Electronic Devices & Computational System and Cyber Security (DG MCC); Director General, Technology Management (DG TM); Director, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), and other stakeholders were present on the occasion. The project is being monitored, mentored and supported by Director, SSPL and his team.