Govt targets disbursing Rs 500 cr under RDI Scheme by September: TDB Secy Rajesh Kumar Pathak

Jul 08, 2026

New Delhi, July 08, 2026 (ANI): Technology Development Board Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak on July 08 said that government is targeting the disbursement of around Rs 500 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme by September as it steps up implementation of the flagship initiative aimed at boosting private sector-led research and innovation. “Following the budget announcement, a target was set to provide funding to companies ranging from startups and MSMEs to listed entities, over a period of 67 years. The structure involves two tiers of fund managers: the first-tier manager, NRF, receives funds from the government at zero per cent interest and passes them on to the second-tier fund manager... Regarding the other SLFMs (Selected Level Fund Managers), we published an NIA (Notice Inviting Applications) and received over 200 applications; the evaluation process is currently underway……Project evaluation is continuing; we have received over 200 projects… The response has been very positive; in fact, beyond our expectations… We haven't restricted this to any specific sector at this stage; since we have funds that need to be disbursed, we are open to any sector, specifically, the sub-sectors within the five broad categories identified by the government…” said Rajesh Kumar Pathak.