NEW DELHI: Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ) has signed the first high-value deep tech project agreement with a startup under Technology Development Fund scheme for indigenous development of 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications .




Dilution refrigerators are specialised cryogenic systems capable of achieving extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range (spans from just above absolute zero up to 1 K), a defence ministry release said on Thursday.




The DRDO’s agreement was signed with Zero mK India towards a collaborative effort for indigenous development of a 20 mK dilution refrigerator for quantum applications. The signing of the agreement took place between the director of TDF and Zero mK India in Delhi. It is the first high-value agreement under the Rs 500-crore corpus, which was earlier approved by defence minister Rajnath Singh for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects.




Such an ultra-low-temperature environment is essential for the operation and testing of several quantum computing platforms and associated quantum technologies. The indigenous development of 20 mK-class dilution refrigerator aligns with the National Quantum Mission and strengthens India’s capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies, contributing towards a self-reliant, quantum-ready ecosystem.




This will contribute towards reducing dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure and strengthening the domestic quantum technology ecosystem.




The project is being monitored, mentored and supported by the director of Solid State Physics Laboratory and his team.




Rajnath has complimented DRDO, industry and all stakeholders associated with this important project. He expressed confidence that the partnership will set an important precedent for future DRDO-industry collaborations in emerging technology domains.Defence secretary and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh wished them success in achieving the project objectives.