DRDO signs first high-value deep-tech TDF agreement for a 20 mK dilution refrigerator
24 September 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on 24 September 2026 that it has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. The agreement is with the start-up Zero mK India Private Limited, Alwar, Rajasthan, for indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications. It is the first high-value agreement under the Rs 500 crore corpus approved by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects. Dilution refrigerators are cryogenic systems that reach temperatures in the millikelvin range, needed to run and test several quantum computing platforms. The project aligns with the National Quantum Mission and is monitored by the Director, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL).
In plain words
TDF Technology Development Fund — A Ministry of Defence scheme run by DRDO that funds industry, especially MSMEs and start-ups, to develop defence technologies.
mK millikelvin — One-thousandth of a kelvin; 20 mK is just above absolute zero.
Dilution refrigerator — A cryogenic device that uses helium isotopes to cool samples to millikelvin temperatures.
SSPL Solid State Physics Laboratory — A DRDO laboratory in Delhi working on semiconductor and quantum materials.