The Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) signed the first high-value project agreement in the field of deep technology under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) with the startup company Zero mK India Private Limited. This agreement aims to develop an indigenous 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator for quantum applications.
Details of the Agreement and Its Objectives
According to an official report from the Ministry of Defence of India, this agreement was signed in New Delhi between the TDF director and representatives of Zero mK India Private Limited located in Alwar, Rajasthan. This agreement is the first high-value contract under a budget of 500 crore rupees, which was previously approved by Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, for advanced projects and new technologies.
Dilution refrigerators are recognized as specialized systems in the field of cryogenics that can achieve very low temperatures in the millikelvin range. Such extremely cold environments are essential for the operation and testing of various quantum computing platforms and related technologies.
Impact on Quantum Technology and National Independence
The indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator aligns with the national quantum mission objectives and enhances India's capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics, and strategic technologies. This initiative will help reduce dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructures and strengthen the domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, congratulated DRDO, the industry, and all stakeholders involved in this important project and expressed confidence that this collaboration would be a significant precursor to future collaborations between DRDO and the industry in the field of new technologies.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary and head of DRDO, also expressed happiness for the teams involved in this initiative and wished success in achieving the project goals. The ceremony was attended by the Director General of Microelectronics and Cybersecurity Systems, the Director General of Technology Management, the Director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory, and other stakeholders. This project will be reviewed and guided under the supervision and support of the Director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory and his team.
