TDF (Technology Development Fund) is an initiative of the DRDO under MoD aimed at promoting indigenous development of defence technologies.  It provides Grant-in-Aid support to industries, participation of start-ups, MSMEs and Academia in creating innovative and dual use solutions in cutting edge technologies that contribute to achieving self-reliance within the defence ecosystem, while enabling industry to contribute to critical and futuristic defence systems.  TDF projects with a total cost of upto Rs 50 Cr is funded under TDF.  So far 85 such projects have been awarded to Startups/MSMEs/Industries. 

TDF conducts its outreach Programme on monthly basis, which is driven by Finovista, external agency and enabler of TDF programme, on theme based “outreach programme” covering pan-India audience.  These outreach programmes, in past have been very successful, generating huge interest among the MSMEs/Start Ups/Innovators/Academia and Industries in the country. Idea behind the outreach is to reach out to each MSME/Start-Up/Innovators etc disseminating the TDF scheme and how they can pursue their technology pursuit in tangible results by venturing into cutting edge technology duly funded by TDF.  The success rate of projects speak for themselves. In past three months the Outreach Programme has been conducted through virtual mode covering states of Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra.

Considering 08 March 2026, TDF along with its Progamme Management Partner Finovista intends marking the day by dedicating the next TDF Outreach Programme dedicating it to Women engaged in Science and Technology fields who have made outstanding contribution in past and currently engaged in ushering the country to a technical power hub. Hence the event has been given an acronym of SHAKTI (Strengthening Her Aspirations in Knowledge, Technology & Innovation. The event is proposed on 06 Mar 2026 (Friday at 1530h) through video conferencing.

In this Outreach programme it is intended to invite women achievers from different fields to address the audience online on the theme.  The agenda and the intended speakers is as placed opposite.