The Department of Science & Technology (DST), as the nodal Ministry for the RDI Scheme, has formulated and finalized the implementation guidelines for the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, as well as the Special Financial Rules for the Scheme, in consultation with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Expenditure (DoE). These guidelines have been approved by the Executive Council of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

As per the approved framework, the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have been designated as Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs) and launched calls for project proposals on 4 February 2026 and 13 February 2026, respectively. Further, a call inviting applications from additional eligible entities, including Fund of Funds, to act as SLFMs was issued, which closed on 31 January 2026. Applications have been received and the selection process is currently underway.

The SLFMs will provide funding to eligible technology entities, including startups, companies and industry-led R&D projects developing technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above, in strategic and sunrise sectors.

 India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) is about 0.64% of GDP, with the public sector accounting for around 60% of the total expenditure, while the private sector contributes about 35–36%. This is lower compared to leading innovation-driven economies where the private sector contributes over 70% of R&D expenditure.

To address the gap in patient capital for high-risk and deep-technology research and to encourage greater private sector participation, the Government has launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, aimed at catalysing private investment in R&D.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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