“Government Now Funds Risk-Takers”: Dr Jitendra Singh
TDB opens first-of-its-kind innovation financing window with low-interest, long-tenure, collateral-free support
- First RDI Fund call launched under ANRF to support commercialisation of indigenous technologies
- Up to 50% project funding for TRL-4 and above technologies
- Collateral-free loans at 2–4%, tenure up to 15 years, approvals in 8 weeks
- Focus on AI, energy, space, nuclear and deep-tech sectors
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Feb: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and multiple other portfolios, Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, marking a major shift in India’s innovation financing ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister described the initiative as a rare departure from conventional government funding models, noting that while philanthropy and CSR had long supported innovation, direct government-backed financing for private-sector technology commercialisation remained limited.
“The RDI Fund bridges this gap by backing innovators who are willing to take risks in emerging and strategic sectors,” he said.
₹1 Lakh Crore Corpus, Long-Term Affordable Capital
Dr Singh said the RDI Fund carries a total corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, offering concessional financing at 2–4 per cent interest with repayment tenures extending up to 15 years, including moratorium periods. The fund also includes equity-linked options, enabling risk-sharing while ensuring accountability.
He underlined that the opening up of space and nuclear sectors to private participation has altered long-standing policy boundaries, and the RDI Fund is designed to support this transformation by reducing financial risk for innovators.
Strong Industry Response to First Call
The Minister revealed that 191 proposals have already been received under the first call, with the overwhelming majority coming from private enterprises, reflecting growing confidence in the government’s innovation-led growth agenda.
However, he cautioned that proposals must align with the true spirit of technology development and scale-up, ensuring that funding is utilised responsibly.
How the TDB RDI Call Works
Under the first RDI call:
- Projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above are eligible
- Funding support up to 50% of total project cost
- Financing routed through Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs)
- Instruments include loans, equity or hybrid models
- No collateral, personal or corporate guarantees required
- Evaluation based on scientific, technological, financial and commercial merit
- Defined timelines ensure faster approvals and disbursements
The scheme does not provide grants, focusing instead on sustainable and accountable commercial deployment of technologies.
Focus on AI, Energy and Frontier Technologies
The RDI framework prioritises AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, deep-tech and other frontier sectors, encouraging startups and technology-driven enterprises to scale innovations that were earlier confined largely to public institutions.
The event was attended by senior officials including Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, and Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
PM-Launched Vision Now Operational
The RDI Fund was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and launched by Narendra Modi in November 2025, as part of the government’s long-term vision to build indigenous technological capabilities and a self-sustaining innovation economy.
Concluding his address, Dr Singh urged innovators, industry and the media to actively spread awareness about the initiative, enabling wider participation and accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a global technology leader.
