Research Development and Innovation Fund
Click Here to Apply for SLFM (Second Level Fund Manager). Applicants seeking selection as SLFMs, please note that the applications close on 31 January 2026, at 1700 hours (IST). You are advised to submit your applications before this date and time, to avoid last minute rush.
For any query regarding the NIA, Forms and documents etc. for Second-Level Fund Managers or any other information related to the RDI Fund, please contact us @ rdi-fund@anrf.gov.in

About RDIF

Research Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF) is a flagship initiative under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

  • Designed to accelerate investment in India's R&D and Innovation ecosystem.
  • Shall support private sector enterprises, startups, and industries working in sunrise and strategic sectors to transform ideas into globally competitive technologies and products

Approved by the Union Cabinet on 1 July 2025, the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme aims to catalyse private sector investment in R&D with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over six years, including ₹20,000 crore in FY 2025-26.

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Objectives

Encourage the private sector to scale up RDI in sunrise domains and in other sectors relevant for economic security, strategic purpose and self-reliance.

Finance transformative projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Level (TRL 4 and above).

Support the acquisition of technologies which are critical or of high strategic importance.

Facilitate the establishment of a dedicated Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.

Sunrise Sectors

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Fund Flow

VISION

  • Catalysing research-driven entrepreneurship
  • Enabling technology self-reliance
  • Enhanced National Strategic autonomy in critical technologies and sectors.
  • Driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Alternative investment funds (AIFs), development finance institutions (DFIs), non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), and focused research organisations (FROs) may apply for RDIF funding, to invest in Indian companies and startups advancing RDI-intensive technologies.

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