TDF's 300 Crore Boost and 27 Breakthroughs Empower Indian Defence Start-Ups

The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is making waves in India's defence sector. This ambitious program encourages public and private industries, particularly start-ups and MSMEs, to foster an ecosystem brimming with cutting-edge technology, propelling the nation towards 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence.

With a staggering commitment of over Rs 300 crore, the TDF scheme has sanctioned 77 projects to various industries. To date, 27 defence technologies have been successfully realized under this scheme, highlighting the transformative impact of TDF on India's defence capabilities.

Nurturing Innovation: Success Stories from TDF

Combat Robotics, Pune

Combat Robotics, a start-up based in Pune, has achieved remarkable success with its innovative simulator for unmanned vehicles. This multi-domain simulator supports Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It provides comprehensive environmental modelling, scenario and vehicle modelling, and intuitive control systems, making it an invaluable tool for agencies developing autonomous systems. This project was developed under the guidance of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a DRDO laboratory in Bengaluru.

ChiStats Labs Private Limited, Pune

ChiStats Labs has developed a sophisticated diagnostic system for Aero Gas Turbine Engines (AGTE). This system enhances operational reliability and longevity of the engines using advanced AI/ML technologies to manage large-scale data and conduct rapid operational assessments. Developed with mentorship from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), another DRDO lab in Bengaluru, ChiStats Labs has created a virtual sensor framework that sets a new standard for engine health monitoring.

ChiStats Labs also spearheaded the creation of tools for data assessment, active learning, and believability for visual data. This project aims to enhance AI model validation and optimization for defence applications, providing a user-friendly web interface for scientists to conduct shared and reproducible experiments. Mentored by CAIR, Bengaluru, this framework addresses the unique challenges posed by the vast amounts of data generated in defence scenarios.

NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru

NewSpace Research and Technologies developed an autonomous drone designed for search and report operations in enclosed or indoor environments. This UAV is equipped with autonomous navigation, onboard object detection, and a localization fallback mechanism. The drone can operate in zero-light conditions, making it ideal for search and rescue operations, surveillance, industrial inspections, and hazardous environment exploration. This project, developed under CAIR's mentorship, showcases significant advancements in unmanned aerial systems technology.

The Vision Behind TDF

The TDF scheme aims to provide grants to Indian industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, and academic and scientific institutions, for developing defence and dual-use technologies not currently available in the Indian defence industry. It seeks to engage private industries in the design and development of military technology, supporting them with financial aid. By focusing on research, design, and development of niche technologies, TDF creates a bridge between the armed forces, research organizations, academia, and private sector entities.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, has praised the start-ups and DRDO labs involved in these projects. He emphasized that these achievements align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The TDF scheme continues to drive innovation and self-reliance in India's defence sector, paving the way for a future where the nation can independently develop and deploy advanced defence technologies.

As the TDF scheme progresses, it promises to unveil more groundbreaking projects, further strengthening India's defence capabilities and fostering a robust ecosystem for technological innovation in the defence sector.