India Launches Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme

Strategic Insights -

India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, recently announced the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, aimed at catalysing private R&D investment in strategic tech sectors. The scheme, funded through a long-term, interest-free loan to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), aims to transform India's innovation landscape and strengthen its leadership in strategic technologies. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, Modi highlighted the impact of recent policy reforms, including the doubling of India's gross R&D expenditure over the past decade and the 17-fold growth in patents registered. The Prime Minister also underscored the emergence of India's semiconductor sector and the exponential growth of the bio-economy, from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 140 billion at present.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme aims to catalyse private R&D investment in strategic tech sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing.
  • The scheme is funded through a long-term, interest-free loan to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to bridge the gap in financing for high-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) projects.
  • India's gross R&D expenditure has doubled over the past decade, while the number of patents registered has grown 17-fold.
  • India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with over 6,000 deep-tech startups operating in sectors such as clean energy and advanced materials.
  • The bio-economy has grown exponentially from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 140 billion at present.
  • Indian women are making significant contributions to science and technology with women accounting for 43% of enrollments in STEM education and filing over 5,000 patents annually.
  • The RDI Scheme aims to provide the necessary foundation for India's innovation-led growth journey as it moves toward its vision 2047 for a Viksit (developed) Bharat.

Statistics:

  • India's gross R&D expenditure has doubled over the past decade.
  • The number of patents registered in India has grown 17-fold.
  • The bio-economy has grown from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 140 billion at present.
  • Over 6,000 deep-tech startups are operating in India in sectors such as clean energy and advanced materials.
  • Women account for 43% of enrollments in STEM education.
  • Women file over 5,000 patents annually in India.

Sources:

  • "Prime Minister Modi Announces Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme," Cyber Media (India) Ltd., 2025.
  • "India to Become a Major Player in Global Innovation with New RDI Scheme," Contify.com, 2025.
  • "Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025," Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, 2025.