The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Central government has given the green light to 22 projects amounting to Rs 4,744 crore, with an RDIF support of Rs 2,192 crore. Additionally, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has selected eight projects for RDIF backing, totaling Rs 390.35 crore, as informed by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in the Rajya Sabha.
Both TDB and BIRAC have been designated as Second Level Fund Managers under the Focused Research Organizations category of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund. These two SLFMs have each received Rs 1,000 crore under the RDIF for investments in eligible technology entities, according to a statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology.
The Research, Development, and Innovation Fund worth Rs 1 lakh crore was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and subsequently launched in November 2025. Various applications were sought from Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs) for participation in the Fund. A total of 162 applications were received from Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and 38 from Focused Research Organizations (FROs), with a proposed commitment of around Rs 8,000 crore currently under consideration.
The Scheme is focused on key technology sectors such as energy security, climate action, quantum computing, robotics, space, artificial intelligence (AI) applications in agriculture, health, and education. It also targets biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital agriculture, and other sectors crucial for strategic indigenization, as highlighted in the ministry’s statement.
