PM Modi launches Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund that won’t directly invest in industries. So, how will it work?

PM Modi RDI Fund 2025, Viksit Bharat 2047 vision: The announcement came at the first-ever Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), a platform that brings together policymakers, innovators and global thinkers to advance the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

PM Modi RDI Fund 2025: PM Modi addressing the emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave in New Delhi. (Source: X/@narendramodi)

PM Modi RDI Fund 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday launched the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to encourage private sector participation in research and development.

The announcement was made at the first Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), a platform that brings together policymakers and innovators to advance the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

However, unlike traditional funding models, the RDI Fund will not invest directly in industries or startups. Here’s how it’ll work.

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# The RDI Fund will be managed by the Department of Science and Technology through a two-tier structure.

# At the first level, a special purpose fund will be established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to hold and manage the Rs 1 lakh crore corpus.

# The RDI Fund will route capital through second-level fund managers — including Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs).

# These managers, guided by independent investment committees comprising of financial, business and technical experts, will identify and recommend projects for support.

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# At the event, Modi also launched a coffee table book highlighting India’s scientific achievements and a vision document outlining the country’s future science and technology goals.

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