Source: HT
Context: Backed by the ₹1-lakh crore corpus for promoting transformative potential research, announced in the interim Budget, DRDO is set to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative that will remodel its research programme towards emerging technologies for military usage.
- Significance: DRDO is funding five high-value deep tech projects, with up to ₹50 crore allocated per project, focusing on indigenisation and reducing dependency on imports. These projects are intended to drive research in emerging technologies like quantum, blockchain, and artificial intelligence with a long-term impact on national security.
- Global Inspiration: The programme is modeled on similar global initiatives like the U.S. DARPA, with the aim of revolutionising defence capabilities through futuristic and disruptive technologies.
- Project Funding and Collaboration: The Technology Development Fund (TDF) engages MSMEs and start-ups for R&D in military hardware and software. Funding will be rolled out in five tranches, with the first installment capped at 20%, based on project appraisals by an integrated expert team.
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