The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has entered into its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme with Rajasthan-based start-up Zero mK India Private Limited.

The partnership will focus on the indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (mK) dilution refrigerator designed for quantum computing and other advanced quantum applications. The agreement was signed in New Delhi between the Director, TDF, and representatives of Zero mK India.

The project is the first high-value initiative supported under the ?500-crore TDF corpus, which was approved to promote deep-tech and cutting-edge technology projects.

A dilution refrigerator is a specialised cryogenic system capable of generating extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range. Such ultra-low temperatures are critical for the development, testing and operation of several quantum computing systems and related technologies.

The initiative supports the objectives of the National Quantum Mission and is aimed at building domestic expertise in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies. It is also expected to reduce India's reliance on imported cryogenic infrastructure and help strengthen the country's indigenous quantum technology ecosystem.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Zero mK India and other stakeholders involved in the project, stating that the collaboration could provide a model for future partnerships between DRDO and industry in emerging technology areas.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also extended his wishes to the teams working on the project and expressed hope that the initiative would achieve its intended objectives.

The project is being mentored, monitored and supported by the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) and its team, with senior officials from DRDO's technology and research divisions attending the signing ceremony.