DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) – Defence Innovation Funding
About the opportunity
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) supports Indian startups, MSMEs and industries developing indigenous technologies for defence, national security and dual-use applications. Selected projects can receive grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 crore per project to develop critical and futuristic technologies.
Who can apply?
Eligible Indian entities include: • Private Limited Companies • Public Limited Companies • Limited Liability Partnerships • Partnership Firms • One Person Companies • Sole Proprietorships • MSMEs • DPIIT-recognised Startups The applying industry must be owned and controlled by Indian citizens. Entities with more than 49% foreign investment are not eligible under the scheme. India Science and Technology For the startup category, applicants are required to submit their DPIIT recognition certificate.
Benefits
• Grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 crore per project • Support for indigenous R&D and technology development • Opportunity to solve actual defence technology requirements • Development of Defence / National Security / Dual-Use technologies • Support for TRL advancement and prototype development • Opportunity for industry–academia collaboration • Access to DRDO technical expertise and defence ecosystem • Opportunity to develop import-substitution technologies • Potential pathway toward deployment in defence applications