The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched a Rs 100 crore initiative to fund R&D projects in the area of gas turbines. The initiative is likely to help in coherent directed research in the area of gas turbines.

Under this initiative of DRDO's Aeronautics Research and Development Board, R&D projects which need investment of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 5 crore are to be considered for funding.

Bangalore headquartered GTRE, a DRDO lab, is the nodal agency to spearhead this venture, named Gas Turbine Enabling Technology Initiative. It hopes to fund 40 to 45 projects.

Under the venture, DRDO will support, encourage, nurture, monitor and exploit the design, research, development and manufacturing capability of academic institutions and R&D establishments, industries to carry out frontline work in bringing out next generation gas turbine engine system.