India has taken an important step forward in the field of quantum technology. Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has signed an agreement with Alwar, Rajasthan-based startup Zero mK India Private Limited to develop a dilution refrigerator with 20 millikelvin capacity.
This agreement has been made under the Technology Development Fund i.e. TDF scheme. According to DRDO, this is the first high-value project agreement under the Rs 500 crore deep-tech fund. This fund was approved by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for projects related to deep-tech and cutting-edge technologies.
What is dilution refrigerator?
Dilution refrigerator is a very special cryogenic system, which can reduce the temperature to millikelvin level, i.e. about 20 mK. Such low-temperature conditions are necessary for the operation and testing of quantum computing and many other quantum technologies.
What will be the benefit to India?
Development of this technology in the country will increase India’s capability in advanced cryogenics and quantum technology. Also, it will help in reducing dependence on foreign equipment in case of cryogenic infrastructure required for quantum computing.
This project is in line with the objectives of the National Quantum Mission and is considered important towards creating an indigenous quantum technology ecosystem in India.
Quantum technology is technology that uses the quantum properties of particles that exist at very small levels, such as atoms and electrons.
What did Defense Minister Rajnath Singh say?
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, industry and all the stakeholders associated with this project. He expressed hope that this partnership between DRDO and industry will become an example for more such projects in the field of emerging technologies in future.
Defense Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams associated with the project. From a strategic point of view, technologies such as quantum computing, cryogenics and deep-tech are considered important for future defense systems and strategic capabilities.
