DRDO Partners with Zero mK India to Develop Indigenous Dilution Refrigerator

Why in News?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement with a start-up, partnering with Zero mK India Private Limited to develop an indigenous dilution refrigerator for quantum applications.
• The agreement has been signed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) and marks the first project supported by the ₹500-crore corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge technologies.

What is the Project?

• Under the agreement, DRDO and Zero mK India will jointly develop a 20 millikelvin (mK)-class dilution refrigerator.
• A dilution refrigerator is a specialised cryogenic system used to achieve extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range.
• Such ultra-low temperatures are essential for the operation and testing of:
  • Quantum computers 
  • Quantum processors 
  • Quantum sensors 
  • Other advanced quantum technologies 

The project will help develop indigenous expertise in advanced cryogenics and quantum technology.

What is a Dilution Refrigerator?

• A dilution refrigerator is a cooling system designed to reach temperatures extremely close to absolute zero.
• It uses the properties of helium-3 and helium-4 to achieve very low temperatures.
• These systems are particularly important for quantum computing because many quantum devices require an ultra-cold environment to operate reliably.

Significance of the Project

1. Strengthening Quantum Technology

The project will support India's efforts to develop indigenous capabilities in quantum computing and related technologies.

2. Reducing Import Dependence

Developing the system domestically can reduce India's dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure and equipment.

3. Supporting Advanced Cryogenics

The project will strengthen India's capabilities in specialised cryogenic technologies required for quantum research.

4. Promoting Deep-Tech Start-ups

The agreement creates an opportunity for Indian start-ups to work with DRDO on cutting-edge strategic technologies.

5. Supporting Strategic Technologies

Quantum technologies have potential applications in areas such as defence, communication, sensing, computing and cybersecurity.

Link with National Quantum Mission

• The project is aligned with India's National Quantum Mission (NQM), which aims to develop a strong ecosystem for quantum science and technology.
• The indigenous dilution refrigerator can contribute to the development of the infrastructure required for India's growing quantum technology ecosystem.

Role of Technology Development Fund

• The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is a DRDO initiative that supports Indian industries, particularly MSMEs and start-ups, in developing defence technologies and products.
• The new deep-tech funding support is aimed at encouraging the development of emerging and cutting-edge technologies within India.

DRDO–Industry Collaboration

• The project will be monitored and mentored by the Director of DRDO's Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) and his team.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the collaboration and said that such projects could create a model for future partnerships between DRDO and industry in emerging technology areas.
• DRDO Chairman and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams involved in the project.

Conclusion

The DRDO–Zero mK India partnership marks an important step towards developing indigenous cryogenic infrastructure for quantum technologies. It can strengthen India's technological capabilities, reduce import dependence and encourage greater industry participation in deep-tech innovation.

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