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Startup-specific scheme

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

Department of Science & Technology (DST)

Between calls Mixed Growth / Scaling IT, Software & Deep Tech
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.

What changed: TDB window closed 30 Sep 2026; next call awaited

Sources (4)

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.

Type of support
Mixed
Best suited for
Deep-Tech Scaling
Headline amount
Up to 50% of project cost / funding round
How much
Scheme corpus ₹1 lakh crore; project-level support varies
Source
DPIIT playbook p. 40

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.

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

Go to official portal