Wider Outreach Needed for Rs 1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund, Says Science Minister

Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has stressed the need for wider awareness about the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. Speaking at the 30th Foundation Day of the Technology Development Board (TDB), he said many applicants do not fully understand the Fund's purpose, eligibility criteria, or the process to avail support.

Dr Singh cautioned that the RDI Fund should not be viewed as a conventional loan facility or just another source of finance. He noted that thousands of applications have been received, including from those who may not grasp the intended spirit of the initiative. The Minister emphasised that the Fund aims to support technology development and research that contributes to national economic growth.

He highlighted that while the funding process is transparent with safeguards in place, there is scope to improve outreach. Better awareness, he said, would help the right kind of stakeholders benefit from the scheme. He also urged TDB to play a role in educating its target audience, noting that mindsets must evolve alongside rapid changes in technology and policy.

Dr Singh credited the government's focus on science and innovation over the past decade, describing it as a period of scientific renaissance. He pointed to the growth of the start-up ecosystem, noting that over 50 per cent of start-ups come from smaller towns and that entrepreneurship is not limited by age or gender.

He also called for openness to private-sector participation in fields like space, biotechnology, and nuclear energy. Appreciating TDB's work in bridging the gap between laboratory and market, he cited examples such as Skyroot and BotLab as evidence of the Board's flexible approach.

The Minister advocated for a culture of philanthropy in research, suggesting that funding science for human welfare should be seen as a form of worship. Looking ahead, he said TDB should support technology at both early and later stages, noting the RDI Fund's role at the TRL4 level.

Dr Singh said the first thirty years of TDB built the bridge between lab and market, while the next thirty should focus on creating global technology champions from India. He added that strengthening technological capabilities would also enhance India's geopolitical standing in the Global South.