Technology Development Fund
DRDO grant funding up to ₹10 crore, covering up to 90% of project cost, to indigenise defence technologies.
What you get
Project cost up to ₹10 crore considered, funded up to 90%
Nodal ministry
Ministry of Defence
Support type
Grant
Best suited for
Prototype / PoC · Growth / Scaling
Typical timeline
Project-driven; TDF projects typically run 12–24 months
What this scheme actually is
TDF funds Indian industry — especially MSMEs and startups — to develop technologies the Services actually need. DRDO publishes project requirements drawn from Service Headquarters, and eligible companies apply against them. The 90% funding ratio is among the most generous available, and DRDO provides technical mentoring through the development.
Implementing agency: DRDO
What the scheme sets out to do
Who can apply
What you get
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Check the incubation and ownership conditions
Startups must be incubated at a Central or State Government assisted incubator, and at least 50% Indian ownership and control is mandatory. Both catch applicants out.
- 2
Register on the TDF portal and study the open projects
The process is fully digitised at tdf.drdo.gov.in. Projects are published with technical requirements from Service Headquarters.
- 3
Apply against a specific project
Technical approach, development plan, test methodology, team credentials, facilities and a costed budget within the ₹10 crore ceiling.
- 4
Clear technical evaluation
DRDO scientists assess feasibility and your capability to deliver. Facilities and prior work matter.
- 5
Develop with DRDO mentoring and complete trials
Milestone-based release, DRDO technical oversight and prototype trials at the end.
What we actually do on a TDF mandate
Services this usually needs
No consultant can guarantee a sanction — that decision sits with the evaluating committee, bank or incubator. We commit to an honest eligibility view, an application built to the evaluator’s format, filing inside the window and a documented follow-up cadence. That is stated in every engagement letter we sign.