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Startup-specific scheme · Department of Science & Technology (DST)

Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme (RDI)

Between callsChecked 3 October 2026

Approved 1 Jul 2025, launched 3 Nov 2025. TDB stopped taking new proposals at 5 pm on 30 Sep 2026 because demand outran its ₹3,000 crore allocation; it is still evaluating a second cohort of 13 companies. BIRAC-RDIF's first call closed on 31 Mar 2026 and BIRAC had not committed funds by late Sep 2026. No reopening date has been announced. TDB's first cohort: 22 projects (14 startups) got ₹2,192 crore on ₹4,744 crore of project cost, at roughly 3–4% for up to 15 years, no collateral. IP and control must stay in India.

Amount
Up to 50% of project cost / funding round
Type of support
Loan / Credit, Equity
Best for
Growth / Scaling
Who can apply
DPIIT-recognised startups, Growth-stage startups
Go to the official portalSource: DPIIT playbook p. 40

The Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme provides funding and support to help organizations create and improve new technologies or ideas so they can boost innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

Who can apply?
  • The RDI Fund is provided to Second Level Fund Managers (SLFM) which include Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Focused Research Organisations (FROs).
  • The SLFM then provides funds to private companies including DPIIT recognised startups advancing RDI-intensive technologies.
What do you get?
  • Loan – Debt funding (via loan or optionally convertible debt) from the SLFM, calculated as 50% of the project cost.
  • Equity – Funding via equity or equity linked instruments from the SLFM, calculated as 50% of the value of each funding round.
  • First cohort (Sep 2026): 22 projects, 14 of them startups, approved with ₹2,192 crore of RDI Fund support on ₹4,744 crore of project cost, at roughly 3–4% interest for up to 15 years and without collateral.
How to apply

Visit - https://rdifund.anrf.gov.in/images/pdf/RDIF-%20AIF_and_FOF.pdf Startups can apply directly through the SLFMs, for instance the Technology Development Board (TDB) (https://www.e-techcom.tdb.gov.in/rdif-registration.php

Objectives

DST has launched the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, approved by the Cabinet on 1st July 2025, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The initiative aims to catalyze private sector participation in high-impact R&D and strengthen India’s capabilities in strategic technologies and promote technological self-reliance, aligning with the nation’s long-term innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Key links

Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.

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