TDF Scheme Accelerating ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence Sector Through Start-ups & MSMEs.
New Delhi:
In a significant boost to India’s self-reliance in defence technology, the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme has emerged as a pivotal initiative under the ‘Make in India’ programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence and executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Aimed at fostering an ecosystem conducive to cutting-edge technological advancements, the scheme has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore across 77 projects, resulting in the successful realization of 27 defence technologies to date.
Under the aegis of TDF, numerous start-ups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have made noteworthy strides:
Combat Robotics, Pune
Combat Robotics has developed a pioneering Innovative Simulator for Unmanned Vehicles. This simulator supports a range of unmanned vehicles including Ground, Underwater, Surface, and Aerial, facilitating comprehensive testing and validation of autonomous systems. Developed with the guidance of DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru, it underscores India’s capabilities in autonomous technology.
ChiStats Labs Private Limited, Pune
ChiStats Labs has achieved breakthroughs in Virtual Sensors for Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health Monitoring. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), their system enhances operational reliability and longevity of Aero Gas Turbine Engines, bolstering national defence capabilities. The project, mentored by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment, Bengaluru, exemplifies indigenous innovation in data science and AI.
NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
NewSpace Research has pioneered an Autonomous Drone for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed Environments. This cutting-edge UAV integrates autonomous navigation, object detection, and localisation mechanisms, crucial for applications like search and rescue operations and industrial inspections. Developed under CAIR, Bengaluru’s mentorship, this project showcases advancements in unmanned aerial systems.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, applauded these achievements, emphasizing their alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The TDF scheme, designed to bridge defence forces, research institutions, academia, and private sectors, continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing indigenous defence capabilities.
The TDF scheme’s primary objectives include providing Grant in Aid to Indian industries and academic institutions for developing defence and dual-use technologies, fostering a culture of indigenous design and development of military technology, and advancing niche technologies critical for national security.
