Assures handholding, highlights TDF scheme

Dr. Abraham Varughese, Outstanding Scientist & Director, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), reiterated the government’s strong focus on Atmanirbharta and indigenisation.

Addressing a recent CII-NSTL seminar on “Business Opportunities with NSTL he said that defence manufacturing is one of the priority sectors under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, which aims to make the nation self-reliant, reduce imports, and enhance exports.

Dr. Varughese stressed that both large industries and MSMEs have a critical role to play in the indigenization and export-oriented development of advanced marine systems and defence technologies.

He urged MSMEs to embrace modern technologies to remain competitive in global markets.  Dr. Varughese outlined NSTL and DRDO’s ongoing efforts to support industry, including multiple technology transfers in areas like electronics, armaments, life sciences, materials, combat vehicles, naval systems, and aeronautics.

He particularly encouraged MSMEs and startups to utilize the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which provides grants of up to Rs 50 crore for the development of defence and dual-use technologies currently unavailable in India.

He stressed that TDF projects are exclusively for MSMEs and startups. Dr. G.K. Sahu, Technology Director, NSTL, along with Mr J Srinivasa Raju, Mr. Satyandra Vadavalli, and others spoke at the event.