The DRDO-IISc program on advanced research in Mathematical Engineering was established in the ECE Department in August, 2001. It is funded by the Defence Research and Development Organization of the Department of Defence, Govt. of India. It focuses on the general areas of communications, signal processing and control Engineering.

The aim of the program is to foster advanced research in the mathematical aspects of the above mentioned areas in IISc. It also envisages a close interaction between the scientists of DRDO and IISc. With this aim a significant component of the program is to encourage exchange between the faculty and students of IISc and other centers of excellence around the world and DRDO laboratories.

The program has funded twenty six projects by the faculty of the Institute.