DST Finalises Guidelines for ₹1 Lakh‑Crore RDI Fund – Two‑Tier Funding via ANRF’s Special Purpose Fund

Overview The DST has approved implementation guidelines for the RDI Fund . The fund is managed through a SPF set up inside the ANRF . The scheme does not provide direct grants to universities; instead, it uses a two‑tier structure involving SLFMs . Key Developments (as of March 2026) Guidelines and Special Financial Rules for the RDI Scheme approved by the ANRF Executive Council. The TDB and BIRAC were designated as SLFMs and issued calls for proposals on 4 Feb 2026 and 13 Feb 2026 respectively. A separate call for additional eligible entities, including Fund‑of‑Funds, closed on 31 Jan 2026; selection is underway. Outreach programmes conducted in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Panchkula and New Delhi between Nov 2025 and Dec 2025 to sensitize youth, startups and industry. Important Facts Funding targets technologies at TRL 4+ in strategic and sunrise sectors. Strategic sectors include energy security & transition, climate action, quantum computing, robotics, space, AI (agriculture, health, education), biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, pharma, medical devices, digital agriculture and the broader digital economy. Projects that enhance Atmanirbhar Bharat or have strategic importance will also be considered. The total corpus is ₹1 lakh crore, reflecting the government’s push for indigenous innovation. UPSC Relevance Understanding the RDI Scheme is vital for GS III (Economy & Development) as it illustrates the government’s fiscal approach to fostering high‑technology ecosystems, the role of public‑private partnerships, and the strategic use of funds for national security and economic self‑reliance. The two‑tier funding model showcases institutional coordination between ministries, the ANRF, and sector‑specific bodies like TDB and BIRAC, relevant for questions on governance and policy implementation. Way Forward • Ministries and departments are being asked to propose additional strategic sectors for inclusion, indicating a dynamic and responsive policy framework. • Ongoing selection of new SLFMs will broaden the funding network, potentially attracting more private capital. • Continuous outreach and capacity‑building programmes are essential to ensure participation from startups, academia and industry, thereby translating the fund’s objectives into tangible innovations.