India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, has signed the first high-value deep tech project agreement with the Industry (Start-up) Zero mK India towards collaborative effort for indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications.
This is the first high value agreement under the 5-billion INR which was earlier approved by the Minister of Defence for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects.
Dilution refrigerators are specialised cryogenic systems capable of achieving extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range.
Such an 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, the Minister of Defence, expressed confidence that the partnership will set an important precedent for future DRDO-Industry collaborations in emerging technology domains.
