DRDO backs a domestic 20 mK cryogenic system for quantum applications
Zero mK India will develop a dilution refrigerator under the Technology Development Fund, giving the project a role in specialised quantum-testing infrastructure.
DRDO has signed a Technology Development Fund agreement with Rajasthan-based Zero mK India to develop a dilution refrigerator capable of reaching 20 millikelvin.
The organisation describes it as the first high-value deep-technology agreement under a previously approved ₹500 crore corpus. Dilution refrigerators provide the ultra-low temperatures used to operate and test several quantum-computing platforms and related systems.
Why it matters
Domestic access to specialised cryogenic equipment could strengthen research, testing and supply-chain capability in quantum technologies where infrastructure is expensive and technically demanding.
SCULTRA point of view
The agreement becomes strategically meaningful when the system reaches independently tested performance, meets a clear delivery schedule and demonstrates domestic component depth and maintainable field operation.
Limitations
The official release gives no project value, milestones, delivery date, technical acceptance criteria or baseline for current import dependence. It announces development work, not a completed refrigerator.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Defence and DRDO, 24 September 2026.