Research, Development and Innovation Fund
Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Department of Science and Technology
A ₹1 lakh crore government fund for private companies and startups commercialising research-heavy technology at Technology Readiness Level 4 or above. It does not fund companies itself. Money reaches them through second level fund managers such as TDB, BIRAC and selected investment funds, as long-tenure loans, equity or a hybrid.
What you can get
Up to 50% of total project cost as loans, equity or hybrid instruments. No grants.
Do you repay it?
Yes, or it takes equity
Type
Loan
Where
All of India
Current status
TDB's RDI page says CALL CLOSED and its home page gave 30 September 2026 as the close, though its active calls table still shows 2031. The RDI site lists a first cohort of 19 managers and now 21 AIFs and FROs.
Who can apply
- Private company or startup advancing RDI-intensive technology
- Technology Readiness Level 4 or above
- Works in a sunrise sector such as energy, biotech, AI applications or the digital economy
- Matching contribution from the company or private investors
How to apply
- 1Do not apply to the fund itself, since it funds only through fund managers
- 2Find a fund manager on the RDI Fund's second level fund managers page
- 3Apply to that manager under its own process
The catch
This is not a grant. You need matching money and work past early research, and the RDI Fund will not take your application. TDB's first call has closed, so check other fund managers one by one.
We read this on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm there before you apply. Founders Wing is not connected to this scheme, does not help with applications and never charges for access to it.