Defence Ministry's tech development fund cap raised five-fold to Rs 50 cr

The TDF scheme supports indigenous development of components, products, systems and technologies by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and start-ups

The limit of funding of innovative defence projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been raised on Wednesday to Rs 50 crore per project, from the present limit of Rs 10 crore. 

The TDF scheme, executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), supports indigenous development of components, products, systems and technologies by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and start-ups.

To facilitate increased funding for innovative TDF products, the Union Budget for 2022-23 has reserved 25 per cent of the defence R&D budget for private industry, start-ups and academia. “The enhanced funding is in line with the budget announcement