The Ministry of Defence has announced substantial progress under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme, a program aimed at boosting innovation and technological advancement in the defense sector. MOS Defence Shri Sanjay Seth in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today said, since January 2023, ₹120 crore has been distributed under the scheme, with ₹43.89 crore disbursed as grant-in-aid to industries. This initiative has supported 16 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 20 start-ups since January 2022.
Over the last five years, the TDF Scheme has approved 42 projects costing ₹182.41 crore for MSMEs and 25 projects costing ₹59.47 crore for start-ups. These schemes have resulted in the successful development of 26 advanced technologies, echoing the scheme’s focus on self-reliance in defense capabilities.
The Ministry spotlighted several groundbreaking technologies developed under the scheme, which include:
1. Aerospace Innovations: AVPSM and ARINC 818 systems, as well as Smart Multi-Functional Displays (SMFD) for advanced military aircraft.
2. Naval Equipment: Submersible and recirculation pumps for Indian naval ships and EMI/EMC-compliant water/gas-tight doors and hatches for naval platforms.
3. Space Technology: Propellant and thrusters for low-orbit satellites using ethanol-hydrogen peroxide and non-toxic hydrazine nano-propellant systems.
4. Defense Electronics: Temperature transducers, V/UHF blade antennas for aircraft applications, and cryocoolers for missile systems.
5. Medical Solutions: Capsules for decontamination during nuclear emergencies and multi-therapeutic technologies for faster healing.
6. Unmanned Systems: Simulators for unmanned ground, marine, and aerial vehicles, and autonomous drones for indoor search-and-rescue missions.
7. AI and Software: Virtual sensors for strain and tip measurements, data assessment tools, and active learning software for visual data analysis.
The TDF scheme's focus on nurturing MSMEs and start-ups has been instrumental in pushing innovation. These entities have successfully created technologies that improve the operational efficiency of military platforms while reducing dependency on foreign imports.
The progress under the TDF Scheme emphasizes the government’s promise of a self-reliant defense ecosystem under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. "These advancements are a testament to the capacity and potential of our MSMEs and start-ups in achieving technological excellence," said MOS Defence Shri Sanjay Seth.
As India continues to invest in cutting-edge defense technologies, the TDF Scheme is set to play a key role in boosting national security and promoting indigenous innovation. (PR)