Archive · 26 Sep 2026
DRDO Signs First High-Value Quantum Cooling Project With Start-Up
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is working with an Indian start-up on a special cooling machine.
The machine will cool equipment to 20 millikelvin, which is extremely cold.
Very cold temperatures are needed for some quantum computers and related technologies.
The start-up involved is Zero mK India Private Limited.
This is the first major deep-technology agreement under a ₹500-crore defence fund.
The project is intended to help India build its own advanced cooling systems.
It may reduce the need to import such equipment from other countries.
The project is being guided by the Solid State Physics Laboratory and supports India’s National Quantum Mission.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation signed an agreement with Zero mK India Private Limited to develop a 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator.
The refrigerator is designed for quantum-computing applications and other quantum technologies.
The agreement is the first high-value project under the ₹500-crore Technology Development Fund corpus.
The project aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported cryogenic infrastructure and strengthen domestic quantum capabilities.
The initiative is aligned with the National Quantum Mission and is being supported by the Solid State Physics Laboratory.
- Who
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Zero mK India Private Limited, supported by the Technology Development Fund and Solid State Physics Laboratory.
- What
- They signed an agreement to develop an indigenous 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator for quantum applications.
- When
- The agreement was announced on Thursday; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- The start-up is based in Alwar, Rajasthan; the articles do not specify the signing location.
- Why
- To support quantum technologies, develop advanced cryogenic capabilities domestically, and reduce dependence on imported infrastructure.
- Project
- Indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin dilution refrigerator
- Industry partner
- Zero mK India Private Limited
- Government organisation
- Defence Research and Development Organisation
- Funding corpus
- ₹500 crore Technology Development Fund corpus
- Primary use
- Quantum computing and associated quantum technologies
- Strategic alignment
- National Quantum Mission
- Project support
- Solid State Physics Laboratory and its team