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DRDO TDF Scheme Funding for Indigenous Quantum Technology

Source:PIB ↗

কেন এটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ

The article highlights India's push towards indigenous deep-tech development via the TDF scheme, specifically targeting critical quantum computing hardware (Dilution Refrigerators) which was previously import-dependent, aligning with goals of self-reliance and technological sovereignty.

সারসংক্ষেপ

The DRDO has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme with a domestic start-up for the indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator. This critical quantum technology infrastructure is vital for cooling quantum processors to near-absolute zero temperatures, reducing dependency on foreign imports and boosting India's indigenous capabilities in quantum computing and deep-tech sectors.

মূল বিষয়

  • DRDO signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement with a start-up under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
  • The project focuses on the indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator, which is a critical infrastructure component for quantum technology applications.
  • Dilution refrigerators are essential for maintaining near-absolute zero temperatures required for superconducting quantum processors.
  • This initiative promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in critical frontier technologies by engaging MSMEs and start-ups.

গুরুত্বপূর্ণ শব্দ

Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

A Ministry of Defence scheme implemented via DRDO to provide grant-in-aid to Indian start-ups, MSMEs, and academia for indigenous R&D of defense and dual-use technologies.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III: Science & Technology (indigenization of technology, defense R&D, and startup promotion).

Source
National Quantum Mission

A central government mission with a multi-thousand-crore outlay to spur research, quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum materials to make India a global technology leader.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III: Awareness in IT, computers, and emerging frontier technologies.

Source
DRDO

India's premier defense research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, tasked with designing and developing advanced defense systems and nurturing indigenous tech ecosystems.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III: Indigenization of technology and security-related science and technology institutions.

Source

সংযুক্ত স্থির ধারণা

Science and Technology - Indigenization

What is the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme and its eligibility criteria?

  • Nodal Agency: MoD program implemented by DRDO to fund MSMEs and start-ups for defense and dual-use tech indigenization.
  • Funding Support: Provides grant-in-aid up to 90% of total project cost, capped at ₹50 crores per project.
  • Core Objective: Aims to bridge the gap between academic research/start-up prototypes and military-grade deployable systems.
Science and Technology - Emerging Tech

What is the role of a dilution refrigerator in quantum computing?

  • Cryogenic Function: Achieves and maintains millikelvin temperatures (near absolute zero, e.g., 20 mK) needed to operate superconducting qubits.
  • Noise Reduction: Reduces thermal noise that would otherwise destroy delicate quantum superposition and entanglement states.
  • Strategic Bottleneck: Acts as a critical technological bottleneck and import-dependent hardware for advanced quantum processors globally.

আন্তঃবিষয় প্যাটার্ন

  • Quantum Computing + National Quantum Mission

    Quantum cooling tech development pairs with the National Quantum Mission to secure critical supply chains against export controls on ultra-low temperature cryogenics.

TDF funding limits, DRDO startup schemes, and cryogenics for quantum tech will feature in multi-statement science tech prelims.

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