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The Government of India has taken a significant step to strengthen the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem with the approval of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. Announced on July 1, this initiative aims to stimulate private sector investment in research and development (R&D), addressing some of the nation’s most strategic needs.
With a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over six years—and ₹20,000 crore earmarked for the financial year 2025–26—the RDI Scheme is poised to transform critical sectors. It targets technology areas of strategic importance, such as energy security, climate action, quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and the digital economy. The scheme is designed with flexibility, allowing the inclusion of additional sectors based on national priorities and the approval of the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS).
Focus on Economic Security and Technological Leadership
The RDI Scheme’s overarching goal is to catalyze private sector participation in high-impact R&D across sunrise and strategic sectors, thus promoting economic security, self-reliance, and technological leadership. By addressing funding gaps through the provision of growth and risk capital, the program supports the innovation pipeline from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 and above, facilitating not just research but also the acquisition of strategically important technologies.
One notable feature is the promotion of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds, which aims to support startups and projects in advanced technology domains. This fund will offer long-term and equity financing to deep-tech ventures, accelerating innovation and enabling commercialization through specialized agencies.
Supporting National Missions and Domestic Manufacturing
Aligning closely with flagship government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’, the RDI Scheme underscores indigenous development of critical technologies to reduce import dependence and reinforce domestic high-tech manufacturing. By focusing on sectors such as quantum technologies, AI, semiconductors, and climate action, the scheme aims to strengthen India’s position in global value chains and foster a robust innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, who shared these details in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the importance of this initiative in advancing India’s economic and strategic interests.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on official information released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and statements by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, as of July 31, 2025. Policy details may be further refined by the Government of India.
