NEWS – DRDO Sanctions Seven New Projects to Private Sector under Technology Development Fund Scheme

HIGHLIGHTS

Aim: Nurturing Industries in Defence and Aerospace Sectors

• Objective: Promote Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance)
• Focus: MSMEs and start-ups in defence and aerospace
• Outcome: Strengthen military industrial ecosystem

Project Details

1. Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit

• Purpose: Simulator training for pilots in realistic scenarios
• Applications: Full mission planning and large force engagement
• Awardee: Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida

2. Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

• Purpose: Marine battlefield accessories for ISR and MDA
• Applications: Multiple combat roles
• Awardee: Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, Pune

3. Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection & Neutralisation

• Purpose: Detection, classification, localisation & neutralisation of underwater objects
• Applications: Dual-use systems to keep assets away from suspected operational areas
• Awardee: IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi

4. Development of Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft

• Purpose: Detect icing conditions inflight
• Applications: Activate aircraft anti-icing mechanisms
• Awardee: Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

5. Development of Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator

• Purpose: Multiple target system for test and evaluation of short range aerial weapon systems
• Applications: Building block for larger radar systems
• Awardee: Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai

6. Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition & Dissemination System

• Purpose: Indigenise timing acquisition and dissemination system using Indian Constellation
• Applications: Customised and flexible timing system development
• Awardee: Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

7. Development of Graphene Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications

• Purpose: Develop conductive yarn and fabric using graphene nanomaterials
• Applications: Advanced nanocomposite materials-based E-textiles
• Awardee: Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND (TDF) SCHEME

Objectives

• Self-Reliance: Promote defence technology under ‘Make in India’
• Execution: Ministry of Defence (MoD) via DRDO
• Targets: Tri-Services, Defence Production, and DRDO requirements

Encouragement for MSMEs and Start-ups

• Goal: Enhance technology capability for defence applications
• Support: Indigenous development of components, products, systems, and technologies

Eligibility

• Participants: MSMEs and Startups registered in India
• Types of Entities:
  • Public limited company
  • Private limited company
  • Partnership firms
  • Limited liability partnership
  • One-person company
  • Sole proprietorship
• Ownership: Controlled by an Indian citizen
• Foreign Investment: Allowed up to 49%

Funding Support

• Grants: Provision to industry
• Project Cost: Up to INR 10 Cr, with up to 90% funded
• Collaboration: Industry may partner with academia or research institutions (academia involvement capped at 40%)
• Milestones: Funding linked to mutually agreed milestones
• Funds Release:
  • Advance against a bank guarantee or reimbursement
  • Subsequent installments on milestone completion
• Project Duration: Maximum development period of two years