It was approved by the Executive Council of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) ensuring seamless scheme execution, effective private sector participation and long term innovation.
- ANRF was established with Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023.
- It acts as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research.
- Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by 2008 Act has been subsumed into ANRF.
RDI Scheme
- About: Establishes ₹1 Lakh crore RDI Fund approved by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025.
- Nodal Department: Department of Science & Technology (DST)
- Funding Structure: Two Tiered
- Special Purpose Fund (SPF): Being set up under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to serve as the first-level custodian.
- Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs): Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), or Focused Research Organizations (FROs) like Technology Development Board (TDB), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), IIT Research Parks, etc.
- Exclusions: Grants and short-term loans are not supported.
- Coverage: Financing can cover up to 50% of assessed project cost for transformative RDI projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 and above.
