Prokaryotes have adaptive defence mechanisms that protect them from mobile genetic elements and viral infection. One defence mechanism is called CRISPR–Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins). There are six different types of CRISPR–Cas systems and multiple subtypes that vary in composition and mode of action. Type I and III CRISPR–Cas systems utilise multi-protein complexes, which differ in structure, nucleic acid binding and cleaving preference. The type I-D system is a chimera of type I and III systems. Recently, there has been a burst of research on the type I-D CRISPR–Cas system. Here, we review the mechanism, evolution and biotechnological applications of the type I-D CRISPR–Cas system.