PM Modi Unveils Rs 1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund to Boost Private R&D and Inspire Young Innovators

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a significant initiative to boost research and development in India. The Rs.1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund aims to encourage private sector investment in research and development. The fund will operate through a two-tiered structure, with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) serving as the nodal ministry. The initiative is expected to create a robust ecosystem for private R&D in India and inspire young innovators to contribute to the nation's technological growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rs.1 lakh crore RDI Fund has been launched to encourage private sector investment in research and development.
  • The fund will operate through a two-tiered structure, with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as the nodal ministry.
  • A Special Purpose Fund (SPF) will be set up within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to manage the corpus.
  • Fund managers will be responsible for recommending projects for support through expert investment committees.
  • The initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem for private R&D in India and inspire young innovators to contribute to the nation's technological growth.
  • The Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) has been launched as a platform to bring together policymakers, innovators, and global experts to advance the government's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • A coffee table book showcasing India's scientific achievements and a vision document outlining the country's roadmap for science and technology have been unveiled by the Prime Minister.

Statistics:

  • Rs.1 lakh crore: The total corpus of the RDI Fund.
  • 2-tiered structure: The operational model of the RDI Fund, with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as the nodal ministry, and a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) as the custodian of the corpus.
  • 20-30%: The expected return on investment from the RDI Fund, as stated by the Prime Minister.

Sources:

  • Afternoon Voice. "PM Modi Unveils Rs 1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund to Boost Private R&D and Inspire Young Innovators". November 3, 2023.