Spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence and executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the TDF scheme has allocated over Rs 300 crore to 77 projects, leading to the successful realisation of 27 advanced defence technologies, the Defence Ministry said in a statement recently. The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is designed to incentivise the active involvement of both public and private industries, mainly targeting start-ups and MSMEs. The scheme aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem focused on enhancing capabilities in cutting-edge technology and fostering Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the defence sector.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the following are the success stories of some start-ups under the TDF scheme:
Combat Robotics, Pune
Combat Robotics, a startup based in Pune, has successfully developed an innovative simulator for unmanned vehicles. This versatile simulator supports unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It serves as an excellent development tool for agencies working on autonomous systems. The simulator provides comprehensive environmental modelling, scenario and vehicle modelling, and intuitive control systems with developer documentation. It is designed to meet the demands of testing and validating the autonomous behaviours of unmanned vehicles across multiple domains. The simulator has been developed under the aegis of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a laboratory based in Bengaluru and affiliated with DRDO.
ChiStats Labs Private Limited, Pune
- Virtual Sensors for Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health Monitoring: ChiStats Labs Private Limited, located in Pune, is working on a project to develop a comprehensive diagnostic system for various parts of the Aero Gas Turbine Engine (AGTE). This system aims to increase the operational reliability and lifespan of the engine. It is built on modern Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies to efficiently handle large-scale data and conduct operational assessments rapidly and accurately. The virtual sensor framework for the project is being developed in-house. The technology has been successfully developed under the technical guidance and mentorship of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a laboratory of DRDO based in Bengaluru. ChiStats Labs Private Limited is a start-up specialising in data science and AI solutions and was the winner of DRDO’s Dare to Dream 2.0 Innovation contest.
- Tools for Data Assessment, Active Learning & Believability for Visual Data: ChiStats Labs Private Limited is also working on a project to enhance AI model validation and optimisation for defence applications. The project aims to facilitate collaboration among scientists through shared and reproducible experiments. The tools developed in this project are accessible via a user-friendly web interface. This project addresses the unique challenges posed by the vast amounts of data generated in defence scenarios. It consists of four key modules: data/Feature Assessment, Active Learning, AI Believability, and Web Application. It aims to empower defence organisations to build more accurate, reliable, and efficient AI models, leading to improved decision-making and enhanced capabilities in various critical applications. CAIR, based in Bengaluru, mentored and monitored the project.
NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
The Bengaluru-based start-up has developed an advanced UAV as part of the “Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments” project. This drone is designed to navigate indoor environments under challenging conditions, including zero light. The project involves creating an Indoor UAV with autonomous navigation, onboard object detection, and a localisation fallback system integrated with flight control firmware. The autonomous navigation system includes 3D mapping, exploration algorithms, and an AI/ML engine. The project’s success opens up opportunities for various applications, such as search and rescue, surveillance, industrial inspections, environmental monitoring, and exploration of hazardous environments. It represents a significant technological advancement in unmanned aerial systems and has been developed under CAIR, Bengaluru’s technical guidance and mentorship.
According to the statement, the key aims of the TDF scheme are as follows:
– Providing Grant Aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, as well as academic and scientific institutions, to develop defence and dual-use technologies currently unavailable in the Indian Defense Industry.
– Engaging with private industries, particularly MSMEs and start-ups, to foster the culture of designing and developing Military Technology and providing them with Grants in Aid.
– Focusing on the research, design, and development of niche technologies being developed for the first time in the country.
– Creating a link between the Armed Forces, research organizations, academia, qualifying/certifying agencies, and private sector entities.
Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, has expressed appreciation for the start-ups and DRDO labs involved in these projects. He emphasised that these accomplishments signify DRDO’s successful endeavours to support the industry and bring to life the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
Team BharatShakti
