Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme

About This Scheme

Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. OBJECTIVES • DST has launched the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, approved by the Cabinet on 1st July 2025, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. • The initiative aims to catalyze private sector participation in high-impact R&D and strengthen India’s capabilities in strategic technologies and promote technological self-reliance, aligning with the nation’s long-term innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Eligibility

• The RDI Fund is provided to Second Level Fund Managers (SLFM) which include Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Focused Research Organisations (FROs). • The SLFM then provides funds to private companies including DPIIT recognised startups advancing RDI-intensive technologies.

Benefits

- Loan – Debt funding (via loan or optionally convertible debt) from the SLFM, calculated as 50% of the project cost. - Equity – Funding via equity or equity linked instruments from the SLFM, calculated as 50% of the value of each funding round.

How to Apply

Where This Comes From

This scheme was sourced from myScheme, the Government of India's official Central+State scheme discovery portal, and reviewed by an editor before publishing. Use the button above to read the full details and apply directly on the official source.