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The Ministry of Defense supports MSMEs and startups to enhance and promote 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence technology industry.
The Ministry of Defence has sanctioned over ₹300 crore to make a major move in improving defence capability through its Technology Development Fund (TDF). As outlined in the official statement released on Thursday, the funds collected aims to strengthen advanced technology and promote self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta').
As TDF is a flagship initiative under the ‘Make in India’ program, administered by DRDO. It offers funds to Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, academic institutions, and scientific establishments. The goal is to assist in the development of defence and dual-use technologies that are currently unavailable in the Indian defence industry.
This partnership plans to address the present and the future requirements of the Armed Forces, ensuring that technical improvements are met locally.
The Defence Ministry highlighted the success of the scheme by showcasing several startups benefiting from TDF. Combat Robotics, in Pune, has developed a versatile simulator for unmanned vehicles, while ChiStats Labs Private Limited, also in Pune, focuses on virtual sensors for monitoring the health of aviation gas turbine engines. NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., based in Bengaluru, has developed an autonomous drone for enclosed spaces, modernizing search and rescue capabilities.
Through these partnerships, the ministry aims to achieve self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing while promoting innovation and job development in the developing defence technology industry.
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