Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant
A Ministry of Defence grant scheme run by DRDO that funds Indian startups and MSMEs building indigenous defence technologies, offering up to ₹50 crore per project with rolling applications.
- Funding amount
- ₹50Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Defence (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is a grant programme of the Ministry of Defence, executed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Its purpose is straightforward: build Indian self-reliance in defence technology by funding work that answers the requirements of the Tri-Services, Defence Production and DRDO itself.
TDF sits within the wider Make in India effort. It invites participation from both public and private industry, but places deliberate weight on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. Support is not limited to money alone — the scheme is designed as a support framework that moves a project from an idea toward a working, indigenous system.
The larger vision is a defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of supplying advanced technology developed inside the country, so that India's strategic needs are met by home-grown solutions. Applications run on a rolling basis, which means a founder can approach the scheme at any point rather than waiting for a fixed window.
Highlights
- Grants of up to ₹50 crore per project from the Ministry of Defence
- Grant covers up to 90% of project cost; minimum 10% co-financing by the applicant
- Built for defence technology projects at TRL 3 and above
- Rolling applications — no fixed deadline, apply any time
- Open to Indian startups and MSMEs, including nascent ventures under 3 years
- Milestone-based disbursement, with a maximum project duration of 4 years
Who can apply
TDF accepts Indian-registered entities across a range of structures — Public and Private Limited Companies, Partnership Firms, LLPs, One-Person Companies and Sole Proprietorships. MSMEs and startups are given particular encouragement, and the scheme is explicitly aimed at nascent ventures.
Startup applicants face a few additional conditions:
- Valid DPIIT recognition as per Government of India guidelines is mandatory.
- Nascent startups — those incorporated less than three years ago — are eligible, but must be incubated at a Central or State government-assisted incubator.
- At least 51% of the shareholding must be held by a Resident Indian citizen, and the venture must remain under Indian ownership and control.
There is one exclusion to note. An applicant who has already received a government grant to develop a similar technology cannot seek TDF support for that same work.
Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Project costs of up to ₹50 crore (INR 50,00,00,000) are considered for support. The grant can meet up to 90% of the total project cost, with the industry partner required to co-finance a minimum of 10%.
Funds are not released as a single lump sum. Disbursement is milestone-based, tied to the successful completion of mutually agreed project stages. Grantees can receive money either as an advance against a bank guarantee, or as reimbursement once a milestone is achieved — the choice of route adds flexibility.
The scheme's stated focus is financial aid for prototype development and trials, with nascent startups specifically targeted. For those nascent ventures, there is an additional provision for inclusive funding support of up to 20% to associated incubators, which strengthens the early-stage ecosystem around the project.
About the provider
Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant is offered by Ministry of Defence, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications submitted through the TDF portal go through a rigorous evaluation. Proposals are screened on how closely they align with national defence requirements, the level of technological innovation involved, feasibility, and the potential for import substitution.
Preference is given to proposals that begin at TRL 3 onwards and demonstrate a clear pathway to product realisation.
A selection committee then assesses each application against predefined technical and strategic criteria. That committee draws on experts from DRDO and the Ministry of Defence, and may include external subject-matter specialists.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to give presentations or take part in detailed discussions to expand on their project plans and capabilities. The final set of projects selected for funding is decided after this stage.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the TDF Scheme provide?
The scheme considers project costs of up to ₹50 crore (INR 50,00,00,000). Within that, the grant can cover as much as 90% of the total project cost, and the industry partner is expected to co-finance at least the remaining 10%.
Is there a deadline to apply for TDF?
No. Applications are rolling and the scheme remains open, so you can register and submit a proposal at any point during the year rather than waiting for a specific window.
Which entities are eligible to apply?
Indian-registered entities of several kinds can apply: Public and Private Limited Companies, Partnership Firms, LLPs, One-Person Companies and Sole Proprietorships. MSMEs and startups are especially encouraged, and at least 51% of the shareholding must sit with a Resident Indian citizen, with the entity owned and controlled in India.
Do startups need DPIIT recognition for TDF?
Yes. Every startup applicant must hold valid DPIIT recognition as per Government of India guidelines. Without it, a startup application is not eligible.
My startup was incorporated less than three years ago. Can I still apply?
Yes — nascent startups incorporated less than three years ago are eligible, but there is a condition attached. Such a venture must be incubated at a Central or State government-assisted incubator. There is also a provision for inclusive funding support of up to 20% to the associated incubator.
Does TDF take equity in my company?
No. TDF is a grant scheme, not an investment, so it does not take an equity stake in your company. The funding is a grant-in-aid that supports prototype development and trials.
How is the grant money actually released?
Disbursement happens in stages. Funds are released as mutually agreed milestones are completed successfully. You can receive them either as an advance backed by a bank guarantee, or as a reimbursement after a milestone has been achieved.
What technology readiness level should my project be at?
The scheme supports technology readiness level upgradation from TRL 3 onwards, leading to a product suitable for Tri-Services requirements. In practical terms, your project should have at least a proof-of-concept demonstrated, and proposals with a clear path to product realisation are preferred.
I have already received a government grant for similar work. Can I apply?
No. Applicants who have previously received a government grant for developing a similar technology are not eligible under this scheme for that work.
How do I apply for the TDF Scheme?
Applications go through the official TDF portal. You register by providing your name, contact details and organisation name, selecting your role and focus area, and self-declaring that the company is Indian-owned with at least 51% held by a Resident Indian citizen. You then accept the terms and conditions, verify the captcha and complete registration. After that, log in with your registered email and password and furnish the detailed information the portal asks for regarding your project proposal.
Who offers Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant?
Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant is offered by Ministry of Defence, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant
Not sure Technology Development Fund (TDF) — ₹50 Cr Defence Grant is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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