The scheme rdi 2025 is a landmark initiative launched by the Central Government of India, aimed at significantly accelerating private sector-driven scientific and technological progress across the nation. With an unprecedented funding allocation of ₹1 lakh crore, the scheme intends to catalyze innovation, promote cutting-edge research, and enhance India’s global competitiveness in advanced technology sectors. Approved by the Union Cabinet in mid-2025, scheme rdi is designed to provide long-term financial support primarily to startups, MSMEs, and private companies undertaking high-impact research projects in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, clean energy, and more.
Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the supervision of the newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), scheme rdi is a core pillar of India’s strategy to foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem. By offering concessional or zero-interest loans for up to 50 years, this scheme aims to encourage private investments in deep technology research, commercialization of scientific breakthroughs, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported technologies. The ultimate goal is to position India as a global leader in strategic tech domains and drive sustainable economic growth.
Understanding the Scheme RDI 2025
The scheme rdi 2025 represents a massive commitment by the Indian government to back private research and development efforts. It focuses on long-term funding and robust financial support mechanisms tailored to meet the needs of high-tech projects. The scheme covers all stages of R&D, from late-stage technology development to market deployment, supporting projects that demonstrate potential commercial value or national security relevance.
Unlike traditional grants or short-term support programs, scheme rdi uses a layered funding approach involving a Special Purpose Fund (Tier-1) and multiple fund managers such as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) (Tier-2). This structure ensures transparency, professional evaluation, and efficient allocation of funds, allowing startups and private firms to focus on innovation without financial constraints.
📘 The Government Vision Behind the Scheme RDI
India’s vision with scheme rdi is clear: build a self-reliant and innovation-driven economy that can compete with global tech giants. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader push under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns to foster indigenous technological development. By supporting the private sector’s R&D ambitions, the government aims to:
Objectives of the Government Vision
- Create high-value jobs in knowledge-based industries
- Encourage sustainable and environment-friendly technological solutions
- Strengthen India’s defense and strategic capabilities through Indigenous innovation
- Accelerate the digital transformation of the Indian economy
This scheme is designed not just as a funding mechanism but as a catalyst for creating an innovation ecosystem where ideas transform into market-ready products and services.
Core Objectives of the Scheme RDI
The scheme rdi has been designed with several critical objectives aimed at transforming India’s research and innovation ecosystem. These objectives focus on fostering private sector participation, promoting technological self-reliance, and accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge research.
Promote Large-Scale Private Sector Innovation
One of the primary goals of scheme rdi is to incentivize private companies to invest more heavily in research and innovation, particularly in emerging and disruptive technologies. It seeks to shift India’s R&D landscape from fragmented efforts to large-scale, commercially viable projects.
Encourage Commercialization of Research
Scheme rdi emphasizes not only research but also the successful commercialization of technologies. Funding is focused on projects at advanced Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), ensuring innovations reach the market and contribute to economic growth.
Reduce Technology Import Dependency
By supporting Indigenous R&D, the scheme rdi aims to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and promote self-sufficiency in critical sectors like semiconductors, defense, and clean energy.
Support Startups and MSMEs
The scheme explicitly encourages participation from startups and MSMEs, recognizing their role as engines of innovation. The Deep-Tech Fund of Funds within scheme rdi helps these smaller entities access much-needed capital for scaling their technologies.
Key Features of the Scheme RDI
Scheme rdi offers a unique blend of financial tools designed to nurture innovation:
- Long-term concessional loans or zero-interest funding for up to 50 years
- Two-tier funding structure with ANRF overseeing the Special Purpose Fund (Tier-1)
- Fund managers like AIFs, DFIs, and NBFCs are responsible for project screening and funding disbursal (Tier-2)
- Focus on high TRL projects, close to commercialization
- Dedicated mechanisms to acquire and license global cutting-edge technologies
- Coverage of strategic sectors including AI, quantum computing, clean energy, biotech, aerospace, and digital health
This comprehensive approach ensures the scheme supports various facets of innovation, from R&D to market entry and global technology collaboration.
Main Components of the Scheme RDI
The structure of scheme rdi consists of four core components:
Special Purpose Fund (Tier-1)
The principal funding pool under ANRF directly supports projects aligned with national priorities.
Fund Managers (Tier-2)
Professional entities that manage investments and evaluate proposals, ensuring that only viable projects receive funding.Managing investments and evaluating proposals, ensuring that only viable projects receive funding.
Deep-Tech Fund of Funds
Dedicated investment capital for startups and MSMEs developing breakthrough technologies in AI, robotics, biotechnology, and other deep-tech domains.
Technology Acquisition & Licensing Support
A mechanism to facilitate Indian companies’ access to and licensing of global technologies crucial for strategic development.
Together, these components create a balanced and efficient system that promotes innovation at multiple levels.
Eligibility Criteria for Scheme RDI
The scheme rdi is open to a wide range of entities involved in research and innovation:
- Indian startups working on R&D-intensive technologies
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative products
- Private companies with projects in advanced technology sectors
- Research institutions and universities collaborating with private firms
Eligible projects must align with the scheme’s priority sectors and demonstrate readiness for commercialization or deployment. Preference is given to projects likely to create employment, improve productivity, or enhance national security.
Benefits of the Scheme RDI
The benefits offered by scheme rdi are significant and multifaceted:
- Access to low-cost, long-term funding without the pressure of high interest rates
- Financial support for acquiring and licensing foreign technologies, reducing barriers to innovation
- Reduced risk for investors and innovators through government-backed funding
- Opportunities to scale breakthrough technologies to national and international markets
- Support for public-private collaborations, strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem
- Contribution to India’s goal of becoming a global technology leader
These advantages make an attractive opportunity for innovators aiming to scale their research and development projects.
How to Apply for the Scheme RDI
Applying for scheme rdi involves a structured process to ensure transparency and merit-based funding:
- Identify an eligible project in a supported technology sector
- Prepare a detailed proposal highlighting innovation, feasibility, scalability, and strategic relevance
- Apply to authorized Tier-2 fund managers (AIFs, DFIs, NBFCs)
- Undergo evaluation and due diligence by fund managers
- Upon approval, receive funding as concessional loans or equity investment, depending on project type
- Periodic monitoring and reporting to ensure project milestones are met
This clear and professional process facilitates smooth fund deployment and maximizes the impact of the scheme.
RDI Scheme 2025 – Key Facts Table
| Field | Details |
| Scheme Name | Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme |
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Governing Ministry | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Supervising Body | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Total Funding Corpus | ₹1 lakh crore |
| Target Audience | Private R&D companies, startups, and academic partnerships |
| Type of Support | Concessional loans, equity funding, and technology acquisition |
| Implementation Timeline | 2025–2035 |
