DRDO approves seven new private sector projects to support SMEs and start-ups

New Delhi: In order to promote self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme. These projects are aimed at meeting the diverse requirements of the armed forces and the aerospace and defence sectors.

According to the MoD, the approval of these projects underlines the DRDO’s continued efforts to support industry, especially SMEs and start-ups, in the defence and aerospace sectors. The indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem.

Details of approved projects

• Scenario Simulation and Core Sensor Toolkit

The project involves developing an indigenous set of tools for simulation training of pilots in realistic scenarios. This will help in comprehensive mission planning and large force engagement. The project has been awarded to a start-up, Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

• An unmanned aerial vehicle launched underwater

The project is for versatile naval battlefield accessories that can be used in multiple combat roles. The objective is Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). The project has been awarded to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd Pune.

• Remotely controlled long-range vehicles for detection and neutralization

The vehicles are dual-use systems that will enable detection, classification, localization and neutralization of underwater objects while keeping key assets away from the suspected operational area. The project has been awarded to a start-up, IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi.

• Development of an Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft

The project aims to develop a method for detecting in-flight icing conditions caused by supercooled water droplets that freeze on impact with the aircraft’s external surfaces and are used by the aircraft to activate its anti-icing mechanism. The project has been awarded to Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

• Development of a radar signal processor with an active antenna simulator

The project will enable the implementation of a multi-target system for testing and evaluation of multiple short range air weapon systems. It will serve as a basic building block for larger radar systems. The project has been approved by Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai.

• Development of Indian regional satellite navigation system based on time data acquisition and distribution system

The project has been approved by Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. Its objective is to enable indigenization of time acquisition and dissemination system, use Indian Constellation for time acquisition and develop customized and flexible time measurement system as per the coverage requirements.

• Development of Graphene-Based Smart and Electronic Textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications

A startup, Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore, has been sanctioned to undertake this project. It will develop processes for manufacturing conductive yarns and fabrics using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks. The result will be advanced electronic textiles based on nanocomposite materials utilizing their inherent advantages in practical apparel applications.

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