By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 30, 2026 12:09 pm
While Technology Development Board (TDB) has approved 22 projects worth Rs. 4,744 crore, BIRAC has shortlisted eight projects involving Rs. 390.35 crore for financial support
The Government has operationalised the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 1 lakh crore over six years to accelerate indigenous technology development and commercialisation through long-term, low-cost financing for research-driven and deep-tech innovations.
As per information shared by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in the Lok Sabha, the Government has sanctioned Rs. 1,000 crore each to the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), taking the total sanctioned amount to Rs. 2,000 crore.
Of this, Rs. 500 crore was disbursed to TDB in March 2026.
Under the scheme, TDB has approved 22 projects with a combined project cost of Rs. 4,744 crore, supported by Rs. 2,192 crore from the RDI Fund.
BIRAC has shortlisted eight projects involving Rs. 390.35 crore for financial support, while proposals from Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and other Focused Research Organisations (FROs) are under evaluation.
The RDI Scheme aims to bridge the financing gap for projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above by supporting eligible technology entities through debt and equity funding. It is expected to catalyse greater private sector investment in research and development by providing affordable long-term capital for commercialising indigenous technologies.
The scheme is being implemented through a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) established within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
The SPF channels funds through a two-tier structure to Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs), with TDB and BIRAC designated as the first SLFMs. Applications from additional fund managers, including Fund of Funds, are also under consideration.