The launch of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme marks a defining moment in India’s scientific and technological journey — one that seeks to empower private-led research, deepen academia–industry collaboration, and pave the path toward Viksit Bharat@2047.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: India has entered a new era of innovation and technological leadership with the launch of its ambitious ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, unveiled during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This landmark initiative signals a decisive shift in India’s approach to research — from government-led to private sector–driven innovation, with a clear vision of positioning India among the world’s leading knowledge economies.
“The RDI Scheme will redefine how India innovates,” said a senior official at the Department of Science and Technology. “It’s not just about funding research; it’s about building a robust bridge between discovery and deployment.”
A Defining Moment in India’s R&D Journey
Over the past decade, India’s research and innovation landscape has undergone a quiet but steady transformation. From universities to startups, the country’s scientific community is embracing a culture of problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration. The results are visible: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)has more than doubled — from ₹60,196 crore in 2010–11 to ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2020–21.
Equally noteworthy is the surge in intellectual property creation. The number of patents filed in India has almost tripled, from 24,326 in 2020–21 to 68,176 in 2024–25 — a clear sign that the spirit of innovation is taking firm root. Moreover, India now ranks third globally in Science and Engineering (S&E) PhD awards, trailing only the United States and China.
“The numbers tell a story of ambition and momentum,” notes Dr. Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology. “India’s innovation ecosystem is evolving from a reactive model to one that proactively defines global scientific priorities.”
The RDI Scheme: Empowering Private-Led Innovation
The newly launched RDI Scheme Fund, valued at ₹1 lakh crore, is designed to fuel transformative projects across sunrise sectors — from deep-tech and AI to semiconductors, biotechnology, and space. For the first time, India is introducing long-term financing and refinancing mechanisms that provide low or zero-interest support to private enterprises investing in high-risk, high-reward research.
The scheme seeks to unlock four major goals:
- Encourage private participation in research and innovation through fiscal incentives and funding support.
- Finance transformative projects at advanced Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to accelerate market translation.
- Support strategic technology acquisition in critical areas such as defense, energy, and advanced materials.
- Facilitate Deep-Tech Fund of Funds, ensuring startups in frontier domains have access to sustained capital.
This initiative marks a structural shift in India’s innovation financing model — moving from fragmented project-based grants to a mission-mode approach anchored in industry collaboration and long-term impact.
“We are entering a phase where private research will drive national competitiveness,” said an NITI Aayog official. “The RDI Fund ensures that innovation no longer ends at the lab bench — it scales into global markets.”
ESTIC 2025: A Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047
The launch of the RDI Scheme at ESTIC 2025 was not coincidental. The conclave, themed “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement and Empowerment,” gathered over 3,000 participants from academia, government, and industry — including Nobel Laureates and global thought leaders.
The event featured 11 technical sessions, a deep-tech start-up showcase, and policy dialogues focused on aligning India’s R&D roadmap with long-term sustainability and industrial growth. Together, these interactions highlighted one core theme: collaboration as the currency of innovation.
“The future of research lies in partnerships — between labs, startups, and industries,” said Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. “ESTIC is where these partnerships begin to take shape.”
Building a Strong Institutional Backbone
India’s innovation ambitions are being supported by a comprehensive institutional framework that includes several key initiatives and policy instruments.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, the ANRF has become the nerve center of India’s research ecosystem. With a mission to mobilize ₹50,000 crore over five years, including ₹14,000 crore from the Centre, it aims to catalyze research collaboration, streamline funding, and enhance academia–industry linkage.
“ANRF represents the convergence of ideas, capital, and capability,” said Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology. “It’s where scientific inquiry meets entrepreneurial energy.”
National Geospatial and Space Policies
The National Geospatial Policy (2022) and the Indian Space Policy (2023) are redefining India’s approach to open data, mapping, and commercial space activities. By liberalising access to critical datasets and encouraging private participation, these policies are nurturing a vibrant geospatial and aerospace startup ecosystem — areas once restricted to government entities.
The BioE3 Policy (2024)
India’s biotechnology ambitions are being reimagined through the BioE3 Policy — Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. This policy promotes biomanufacturing hubs, Bio-AI networks, and a national Biofoundry to accelerate sustainable innovation across healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM 2.0)
The continuation of AIM 2.0 with a ₹2,750 crore outlay ensures innovation begins early — in schools and universities. Through Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres, AIM is cultivating the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
National Missions: Powering Frontier Technologies
India’s long-term scientific roadmap is anchored in several frontier technology missions:
- National Quantum Mission (₹6,003 crore): Developing quantum computers, secure communication systems, and advanced materials.
- National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS): Advancing AI, robotics, and IoT research through 25 technology hubs.
- National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Enabling India’s self-reliance in high-performance computing.
- India Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore): Building the foundation for chip manufacturing and electronics sovereignty.
- Deep Ocean Mission (₹4,077 crore): Exploring deep-sea resources under India’s Blue Economy strategy.
- IndiaAI Mission (₹10,372 crore): Expanding computing infrastructure to 38,000 GPUs to make “AI in India and AI for India” a global reality.
Each mission represents India’s ambition to transform from a technology consumer to a technology creator, ensuring that innovation becomes both indigenous and impactful.
Digital Public Infrastructure: The Invisible Engine
Underlying this vast innovation architecture is India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — a globally acclaimed model of open, interoperable digital systems. Platforms such as UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Co-WIN, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) have not only transformed service delivery but also established the data backbone for research and innovation.
In August 2025, UPI processed over 20 billion transactions worth ₹24.85 lakh crore, while DBT saved the government more than ₹3.48 lakh crore by eliminating leakages. Together, these platforms exemplify how digital systems can power both economic efficiency and scientific collaboration.
“India’s DPI is not just digital governance; it’s digital empowerment,” said a senior NITI Aayog advisor. “It gives innovators access to real-time, high-quality data — the new currency of the innovation economy.”
Towards Viksit Bharat@2047: The Road Ahead
India’s growing commitment to research, development, and innovation is a reflection of its long-term aspiration — to become a developed, knowledge-driven, and self-reliant nation by 2047. The synergy between initiatives like RDI Scheme, ANRF, and national technology missions is creating a powerful ecosystem that blends policy clarity, fiscal support, and entrepreneurial dynamism.
By embracing both public–private partnerships and digital inclusion, India is laying the foundation for an R&D revolution that is not only future-ready but also globally competitive.
“Innovation is no longer a choice; it is India’s pathway to prosperity,” remarked a senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Science. “With sustained investment and visionary policies, India is poised to lead the world in technology, science, and human potential.”
Conclusion
The ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme is more than just a financial commitment — it’s a declaration of India’s intent to lead in the age of innovation. Backed by a robust institutional ecosystem, cutting-edge national missions, and transformative digital infrastructure, India’s research landscape is evolving into a powerhouse of ideas and impact.
As the world looks toward sustainable, inclusive, and technologically driven growth, India’s innovation-first agendastands as a model of how developing nations can harness knowledge, policy, and entrepreneurship to shape the future.
India’s innovation story has only just begun — and the world is watching.
