Modi Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund: India’s Ambitious Push for Innovation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the landmark ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund at the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 in New Delhi, marking a transformative moment for India’s research ecosystem. The initiative aims to drive private-sector innovation in cutting-edge technologies.

Fund Structure and Allocation

The RDI scheme has a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over 6 years, with ₹20,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26, funded from the Consolidated Fund of India. The fund provides long-term low or zero-interest loans, equity investments, and contributions to the Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.

Key Focus Areas

India’s R&D Growth Story

PM Modi highlighted that over the past decade, India’s R&D expenditure has doubled, and the number of registered patents has grown an impressive 17-fold. In the startup landscape, India has emerged as the third-largest ecosystem globally. This remarkable transformation positions India as a global innovation hub.

Ease of Doing Research

PM Modi emphasized building a modern innovation ecosystem through “ease of doing research,” with reformed financial rules and procurement policies to support scientific growth. This initiative particularly benefits technology startups and research institutions across the country.

Women in STEM Achievement

PM Modi noted that a decade ago, the number of patents filed by women in India was less than 100 annually. Today, that number has surged to over 5,000 each year. Additionally, women make up 43 per cent of those pursuing STEM education in India—well above the global average.

ESTIC 2025: Three-Day Innovation Summit

The conclave brings together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry and government, along with Nobel Laureates, eminent scientists, innovators and policymakers. Deliberations focus on 11 thematic areas including AI, quantum science, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.

Private Sector Participation

The government aims to promote innovation not only in public institutions but also in the private sector, encouraging industries to scale up research in sunrise domains. This creates opportunities for tech entrepreneurs and established companies alike.

Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, India is on the path to becoming a developed nation. The startup ecosystem has expanded beyond metros, with innovative ventures emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, boosting technology entrepreneurship nationwide.

Impact on Technology Sector

The ₹1 lakh crore fund will accelerate breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors—technologies critical for India’s self-reliance by 2047. With low-interest financing and equity support, the initiative removes financial barriers for high-risk innovation projects.

Global Recognition

PM Modi stated that “India is no longer just a consumer of technology. It has become a pioneer of transformation through technology. Today, India has the world’s most successful digital public infrastructure”.

This historic fund launch positions India at the forefront of global innovation, providing researchers and technology companies the resources needed to compete internationally while building India’s self-reliant tech ecosystem.

Sources: PMO India | Ministry of Science & Technology