SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Science & Technology
The Government of India has launched a new ₹ 1 lakh crore Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme, announced on 3 November 2025 at the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave 2025. The initiative aims to mobilise private-sector investment and commercialise deep-tech innovations in sunrise and strategic sectors. India’s gross R&D expenditure has risen from around ₹ 60,196 crore in 2010-11 to ₹ 1.27 lakh crore in 2020-21. The Central Government currently contributes about 43.7% of total national R&D expenditure.
Under the scheme, long-term financing or refinancing will be available at low or nil interest rates, supporting projects in technology readiness levels (TRLs) that bridge the gap between concept and market. The scheme also supports the acquisition of critical technologies and a Deep-Tech Fund-of-Funds for start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises.
The RDI Scheme aligns with India’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy under Viksit Bharat @ 2047, strengthens the country’s research-innovation ecosystem, promotes academia-industry collaboration, and opens new pathways for employment, global competitiveness and strategic self-reliance across sectors.
What is the RDI Scheme? → The RDI Scheme is a large-scale government programme to mobilise both public and private investment in research and development, particularly in high-impact and strategic technology domains, by providing capital support, innovation ecosystem financing, and bridging the valley between research and commercialisation.
What are Sunrise Sectors?→ Sunrise sectors are emerging, innovation-driven industries with high long-term growth potential and strategic importance for the economy. These include areas such as semiconductors, clean energy, electric mobility, biotechnology, AI, quantum technologies, aerospace, advanced materials and space systems. Governments prioritise them to build future-ready industrial capacity, generate high-skill jobs, reduce import dependence in critical technologies, and strengthen global competitiveness.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How will India ensure that this large RDI fund leads to measurable outcomes—such as increased patent filings, global-grade start-ups, and technology exports—rather than only increased funding allocations?
Follow the full news here: India Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore Innovation Fund to Drive Private-Led R&D Growth