GrantDRDO / Ministry of DefenceVerified 1 Jun 2026Official source

Technology Development Fund (TDF) — DRDO

TDF funds Indian MSMEs and startups to develop defence and dual-use technologies not currently available with Indian industry. Grant-in-aid covers up to 90% of project cost, with the funding ceiling enhanced to ₹50 crore per project. Beneficiaries get joint IPR with DRDO, access to DRDO labs, experts and testing facilities, and a route to supply defence primes. The entity must be Indian-owned and controlled (foreign investment ≤49%) and registered as an MSME or a recognised startup.

Maximum amount
₹50.0Cr
Typical payout
₹5.0Cr
Processing time
24–104 weeks
Application window
Call-based — DRDO releases technology-development requirements periodically on the TDF portal.

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Eligibility criteria

Company type
Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company, Proprietorship, Partnership Firm
Stage
Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr), Growth Stage (₹1Cr–₹25Cr)
States
All India (nationwide)
Sectors
deeptech, aerospace, defence, robotics, cybersecurity, electronics, engineering

Documents required

1
Certificate of Incorporation
Registration proof of the Indian entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, OPC, partnership or proprietorship).
Tip: Foreign shareholding must be 49% or less and the entity Indian-owned and controlled — keep the shareholding pattern ready.
2
MSME (Udyam) or Startup India Recognition
Udyam registration certificate or DPIIT Startup India recognition — one is mandatory to register as "industry" on TDF.
Tip: Either qualifies. Udyam is faster to obtain if you are not DPIIT-recognised.
3
Technical Proposal / Feasibility Report
Description of the defence/dual-use technology, its novelty, indigenous content, and development plan.
Tip: Clearly establish that the technology is not currently available with Indian industry — that is the core eligibility test.
4
Project Cost Estimate
Itemised development budget against which grant-in-aid (up to 90%) is computed.
Tip: Keep the project cost realistic; the evaluation committee scrutinises the cost build-up.
5
Board Resolution & KYC
Authorisation for the application and KYC of directors/partners.
Tip: Match names and addresses across incorporation, PAN and KYC documents.

How to apply for TDF

1
Register your entity on the TDF portal with MSME/Startup recognition.Open portal
2
Identify an open technology-development requirement matching your capability and submit an Expression of Interest with a technical proposal.
3
Proposal is screened and presented to the Project Evaluation Committee; respond to clarifications.
4
On approval, sign the grant agreement (joint IPR with DRDO) and receive milestone-linked grant-in-aid.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for TDF?

TDF is available to Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company, Proprietorship, Partnership Firm companies at the Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr), Growth Stage (₹1Cr–₹25Cr) stage, across all Indian states (nationwide).

How much funding does TDF provide?

TDF provides up to ₹50.0Cr. Most applicants receive around ₹5.0Cr.

How long does TDF approval take?

The typical processing time from submission to disbursement is 24–104 weeks.

Is TDF currently accepting applications?

Yes, TDF is currently active and accepting applications. Application window: Call-based — DRDO releases technology-development requirements periodically on the TDF portal..

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Information is based on publicly available scheme guidelines. Last verified 1 June 2026. Always verify with official sources before applying.