Technology Development Fund Scheme | Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

Technology Development Fund Scheme

Syllabus: GS2/Governance; GS3/Science and Tech

In News

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over seven technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Services.

Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme

• It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO under ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• Objective – It provides grants-in-aid to Indian industries, especially MSMEs and startups, to innovate, research, design, and develop indigenous defence and dual-use technologies.

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The Government has approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with ₹25,060 crore to boost exports, especially for MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors.

Export Promotion Mission

• Launched in – Union Budget for 2025-26, the Finance Minister announced an Export Promotion Mission.
• Objective – It would facilitate easy access to export credit, cross-border factoring support, and support to MSMEs to tackle non-tariff measures in overseas markets.
• Duration – 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.

Two Integrated Sub-Schemes: Niryat Protsahan & Niryat Disha.

Financial Support (Niryat Protsahan)

• Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE): Provides 100% coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC).
• Additional credit facilities up to ₹20,000 crore to eligible exporters (including MSMEs).
• Enables collateral-free credit, improving liquidity and competitiveness.

Non-Financial Support (Niryat Disha)

• Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Funding for compliance, certifications, and technical standards.
• Market Acquisition & Branding: Assistance for international exhibitions, packaging, and branding.
• Logistics Cost Reduction: Support for supply chain efficiency and trade facilitation.