Zupple Labs Awarded DRDO Project to Develop Blockchain Security Standards

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has assigned a significant project to Mangaluru-based start-up Zupple Labs Pvt Ltd, tasking them with creating evaluation standards for blockchain security and auditing. This initiative falls under DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) programme and involves the Scientific Analysis Group serving as the main coordinating laboratory.

Zupple Labs, led by CEO and Co-Founder Neil Kevin Martis, specializes in digital credentials and enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. The company plans to develop a standardized framework that will assess the security and robustness of blockchain applications intended for defence purposes.

Blockchain technology has gained attention for its potential to enhance security and transparency in various sectors, including defence. However, no universal framework currently exists to evaluate blockchain solutions tailored to the stringent requirements of defence agencies. According to Martis, the defence sector could begin adopting blockchain applications within the next few years for critical use cases such as supply chain tracking.

Martis explained that conventional digital systems may not meet the security and traceability needs of defence forces. A blockchain-based application could securely track supply chain items nationwide, ensuring authenticity and preventing tampering. Since many Indian government agencies cannot utilize public blockchains due to security concerns, private or permissioned blockchains offer a customizable alternative within controlled environments.

Before deploying such blockchain systems, defence applications must undergo rigorous testing to verify their security and operational integrity. Currently, there is no established standard to conduct these evaluations, which is the gap Zupple Labs aims to fill with this project. The goal is to create a standardized platform capable of grading blockchain applications to ensure they meet defence-grade security and performance levels.

Zupple Labs has experience providing blockchain-powered trust infrastructure to governments and institutions in four countries. Their solutions help secure vital citizen records, including land titles, educational certificates, identity documents, permits, and work orders, enhancing data authentication and reducing fraud risks.

Capt Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament from Dakshina Kannada, praised Zupple Labs for their achievement. He highlighted the company’s progress within the ‘Bolpu’ accelerator programme, which supports start-ups in Mangaluru through funding, mentorship, and market access. 'Bolpu,' meaning 'light' or 'day' in the local Tulu language, is designed to help early-stage ventures scale their innovations.

The project underscores India’s growing focus on cybersecurity and the adoption of emerging technologies to safeguard critical sectors like defence. Developing standardized blockchain evaluation methods aligns with broader efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure resilience and trustworthiness.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, establishing clear security standards and auditing protocols will be essential for its integration into sensitive environments. Zupple Labs’ work under the DRDO mandate positions them at the forefront of this emerging field, helping to set benchmarks that could influence blockchain deployment across defence and government sectors in the years ahead.