Union Cabinet approves the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Union Cabinet approves the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

Posted 02 Jul 2025

2 min read

With an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, the scheme encourages private sector participation in research and innovation, particularly in sunrise and other relevant sectors, including economic security, strategic purpose, self-reliance, etc. 

Key Highlights of the Scheme

  • Aim: Provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenors at low/nil interest rates to spur private investments.
  • Key Objectives
    • Finance transformative projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). 
    • Support acquisition of critical and strategic technologies 
    • Facilitate setting up of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.
  • Two-Tiered Funding Mechanism
    • Special Purpose Fund (SPF): Established within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), acting as the custodian of funds. 
      • Established under the ANRF 2023 Act, ANRF aims to seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D). 
      • Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has been subsumed into ANRF. 
    • Second Level Fund Managers: Funds from SPF are allocated here, in the form of long-term concessional loans or equity funding (for startups). 
  • Strategic Direction: Provided by the Governing Board of the ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister. 
  • Nodal Department: Department of Science and Technology.

About Sunrise Sectors

  • Term frequently used for a sector that is developing and poised for a rapid growth.
  • Examples: Electronics & Semiconductors, Electric Vehicles (EV), Renewable Energy, Agro & Food Processing, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, etc. 
  • Tags :
  • ANRF
  • Sunrise Sectors
  • RDI Scheme
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