Synopsis : DRDO has signed its first major high-value agreement under a newly approved ₹ 500 crore deep-tech corpus to develop an indigenous 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator for quantum applications. The project with Rajasthan-based start-up Zero mK India aims to strengthen India’s domestic capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies.
DRDO Makes Major Deep-Tech Push With Quantum Cooling Project
India’s defence research establishment is expanding its focus from small technology prototypes to large-scale, high-value deep-tech projects involving domestic start-ups.
Under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a major agreement with Zero mK India Private Limited, a start-up based in Alwar, Rajasthan, for the indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (mK) dilution refrigerator designed for quantum applications.
The agreement represents the first high-value project to be undertaken from a ₹ 500 crore deep-tech corpus approved for cutting-edge technologies.
Why Quantum Cooling Matters
Dilution refrigerators are essentially the “cold rooms” of the quantum technology world.
These highly specialised cryogenic systems are designed to cool quantum devices to temperatures extremely close to absolute zero. A temperature of 20 mK is just 0.02 degrees above absolute zero, creating the ultra-cold environment required by several types of quantum hardware.
At these temperatures, delicate quantum states can be maintained and measured, making such systems an important part of the infrastructure required to develop and test advanced quantum technologies.
The technology is particularly relevant for areas such as:
- Superconducting quantum processors
- Quantum sensors
- Quantum communication hardware
- Quantum technology research and development
- Advanced defence and strategic applications
India Seeks to Reduce Dependence on Imported Technology
A key objective behind the project is to strengthen domestic capabilities in critical technologies.
Much of the advanced cryogenic infrastructure required for quantum research has traditionally been imported. Developing a high-performance dilution refrigerator within India could help reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and support the development of a domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
The project is also aligned with the National Quantum Mission, which seeks to establish stronger indigenous capabilities across quantum computing, communication, sensing and related technologies.
₹ 500 Crore TDF Corpus for Cutting-Edge Technologies
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is a DRDO initiative designed to support Indian industry, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, in developing defence-related technologies.
In November 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved an additional ₹ 500 crore corpus specifically for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects under a separate TDF vertical.
The agreement with Zero mK India is the first high-value project to be taken up under this newly established deep-tech funding pool.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi between the Director of TDF and representatives of Zero mK India.
DRDO Lab to Provide Technical Support
The project will be monitored, mentored and technically supported by the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), a DRDO laboratory involved in advanced materials and low-temperature physics.
Senior government and DRDO officials attended the signing, including the Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with directors associated with DRDO’s microelectronics, technology management and SSPL divisions.
The involvement of SSPL is expected to provide specialised technical expertise in low-temperature physics and related technologies during the development programme.
What Will the Project Build?
The primary objective is to develop an indigenous 20 mK-class dilution refrigerator capable of creating the ultra-low temperatures required for advanced quantum applications.
Such equipment can support:
Quantum Computing
Ultra-low temperatures are required for operating and testing superconducting quantum processors and other quantum computing technologies.
Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensors can require highly controlled environments to detect extremely small physical signals and measurements.
Quantum Communications
Advanced cryogenic infrastructure can also support research and testing of hardware associated with quantum communication technologies.
Strategic Research
The technology has potential relevance to defence and other strategic applications where advanced sensing, computing and secure communication capabilities are important.
Zero mK India’s Role
Rajasthan-based Zero mK India Private Limited is working in the field of advanced cryogenic systems.
The company has stated that it is developing dilution refrigerators capable of reaching temperatures below 20 mK, in line with India’s broader quantum technology ambitions.
The DRDO partnership provides a framework for developing this capability for quantum applications within India.
Supporting India’s National Quantum Mission
The project fits into India’s broader effort to establish a self-reliant quantum technology ecosystem.
Developing critical infrastructure such as dilution refrigerators domestically could potentially provide Indian researchers, start-ups and companies with greater access to advanced cryogenic systems.
It could also contribute to the development of a local supply chain around quantum hardware and associated technologies.
The potential impact extends beyond defence, with quantum technologies having applications across research, communications, sensing, computing and commercial technology development.
Focus on a Self-Reliant Quantum Ecosystem
The defence ministry has described the initiative as a step toward strengthening India’s capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies.
The project also reflects a broader shift toward deeper collaboration between government research institutions and Indian start-ups in emerging technology areas.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the project and complimented DRDO, industry partners and other stakeholders involved in the initiative. He said the partnership could set an important precedent for future DRDO-industry collaborations in emerging technology domains.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the participating teams and wished them success in achieving the project’s technical objectives.
The Bigger Picture
The development of a domestic 20 mK dilution refrigerator represents more than the creation of a specialised cooling machine. It addresses a critical piece of infrastructure needed to advance quantum hardware development.
With the ₹ 500 crore deep-tech TDF corpus now supporting projects of this scale, the DRDO-industry partnership with Zero mK India marks a significant step in India’s effort to develop indigenous capabilities in advanced cryogenics and quantum technology.
If successfully developed, the technology could strengthen the infrastructure available to India’s growing quantum ecosystem while supporting the country’s longer-term ambitions in strategic and commercial quantum applications.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the details provided. It should not be considered investment, financial or technical advice.
