Why in the news?

  • Seven TDF-developed technologies handed over by DRDO to the Armed Forces.

Technology Development Fund (TDF)

  • What is it?: It is a fund established to promote self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence
  • Aim: To create an ecosystem for cutting-edge technology development by encouraging participation from public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups.
  • Funding Support: Up to 90% of the total project cost for projects upto 50 Crores.
  • Eligible Entities: Public limited companies, Private limited companies, Partnership firms, Limited liability partnerships (LLPs), One-person companies and Sole proprietorships- All registered in India and fall under the Indian Laws.
    • The industry must be owned and controlled by a resident Indian citizen.
    • Entities with foreign investment exceeding 49% are not eligible.

Source: The Hindu