Parliament Question: Research Development and Innovation Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1786 ANSWERED ON 29/07/2026 RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION SCHEME †1786. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT: Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is operating a "Research, Development and Innovation Scheme" and if so, the details thereof; (b) the details of the total funds allocated and expenditure incurred under this scheme so far; (c) whether this scheme is expected to increase investment in Research and Development (R&D) in the country and if so, the details thereof; (d) the manner in which the funds of the scheme are being utilized and whether any "Special Purpose Fund" has been established for this purpose and if so, the structure and working mechanism thereof; (e) whether priority has been accorded to other sectors along-with strategic technology sectors in the scheme; and (f) whether financial assistance is being provided through post- doctoral research, innovation or R&D fellowships, State-wise and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a) The Government has launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over six years to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem by supporting the development and commercialization of indigenous technologies. The Scheme provides long-term, low-cost financing to eligible technology entities through Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs), such as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and Focused Research Organisations (FROs). It supports projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above through debt and equity instruments with the objective of bridging the financing gap for research-driven and deep-tech innovations. (b) So far, financial assistance of ₹1,000 crore each has been sanctioned to the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Page 1 of 2aggregating to ₹2,000 crore. Of this, ₹500 crore has been disbursed to TDB during March 2026. Under the Scheme, TDB has approved 22 projects involving a total project cost of ₹4,744 crore, with RDI Fund support of ₹2,192 crore. BIRAC has shortlisted 8 projects involving ₹390.35 crore for support under the RDI Scheme. Proposals received from Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and the remaining Focused Research Organisations (FROs) are under consideration of the competent authority. (c) The Scheme is designed to catalyse greater private sector investment in Research and Development (R&D) by providing long-term, low-cost financing for indigenous technology development and commercialization. It supports research-driven and deep-tech innovations, particularly in strategic technology sectors, thereby addressing the financing gap and encouraging greater participation of the private sector in the national R&D ecosystem. (d) The Scheme is being operationalised through a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) established within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The SPF maintains the corpus of the Scheme and channels funds through a two-tier funding structure to Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs). As per the approved framework, the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have been designated as SLFMs. Applications from additional SLFMs, including Fund of Funds, have also been invited and are under evaluation. (e) While the Scheme accords priority to strategic technology sectors, it also supports other sectors of national importance. Priority sectors include energy security, energy transition and climate action; deep technologies such as quantum computing, robotics and space; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in agriculture, health and education; biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices; and the digital economy, including digital agriculture. The Scheme also supports technologies whose indigenisation is important for strategic or economic security, for promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat, and any other sector or technology considered necessary in the public interest. (f) The Scheme provides financial support to eligible technology entities in project mode through Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs) to meet project-related costs, including manpower, wherever required. Accordingly, no State-wise details of such fellowships are available under the Scheme. ***** Page 2 of 2