Full Breakdown
DRDO Partners with Zero mK India for Indigenous Quantum-Cooling Technology
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: First High-Value Deep-Tech Agreement under the Technology Development Fund
On September 24 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed its inaugural high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. The signing took place in New Delhi between the Director of TDF and Zero mK India Private Limited, a start-up headquartered in Alwar, Rajasthan. The collaboration targets the indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (mK) dilution refrigerator intended for quantum-computing applications.
Background & Context
The TDF scheme, funded by a INR500 crore corpus approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is designed to accelerate deep-tech research and development within India’s defence ecosystem. Dilution refrigerators are specialised cryogenic systems that achieve temperatures in the millikelvin range, a prerequisite for operating and testing many quantum-computing platforms. The project aligns with the National Quantum Mission, which seeks to establish a self-reliant, quantum-ready infrastructure across the country.
Key Figures & Groups
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – India’s premier defence R&D agency, overseeing the project.
- Zero mK India Private Limited – Alwar-based start-up selected as the industry partner for the refrigerator development.
- Rajnath Singh – Defence Minister of India, approver of the INR500 crore deep-tech corpus.
- Rajesh Kumar Singh – Defence Secretary and Chairman of DRDO, who congratulated the teams.
- Director, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) – Lead mentor and monitor for the project.
- Director General, Micro Electronic Devices & Computational Systems and Cyber Security (DG MCC) – Senior official present at the signing.
- Director General, Technology Management (DG TM) – Senior official present at the signing.
Timeline
- September 24 2026 – Signing ceremony in New Delhi; agreement formalised between DRDO’s TDF Director and Zero mK India.
Data & Statistics
- Funding corpus: INR500 crore allocated for deep-tech projects under the TDF scheme.
- Target temperature: 20 mK dilution refrigerator, enabling ultra-low-temperature environments for quantum hardware.
- Project scope: Indigenous design and fabrication of the refrigerator, reducing reliance on imported cryogenic equipment.
Official Statements & Responses
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, the industry partner and all stakeholders, expressing confidence that the joint effort will strengthen India’s strategic technology base. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams and wished them success in achieving the project objectives. Ongoing monitoring, mentorship and support will be provided by the Director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory and his team, with senior officials from DG MCC and DG TM in attendance.
Why It Matters / Impact
Developing a domestically produced 20 mK dilution refrigerator directly supports the National Quantum Mission by providing essential infrastructure for quantum-computing research and testing. By manufacturing the cryogenic system within India, the project aims to curtail dependence on imported refrigeration technology, thereby enhancing national security and strategic autonomy. The collaboration also demonstrates a model for leveraging start-up innovation within the defence research framework, potentially accelerating future deep-tech initiatives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All consulted sources present a consistent account of the agreement, its participants, funding and objectives. No substantive discrepancies or missing information were identified.