Key Details on TDB Investment Committee and RDI Scheme Funding
The Technology Development Board (TDB) answered a parliamentary question in the Rajya Sabha on 30 July 2026. The written reply, given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, listed the members of the Investment Committee and the companies whose projects received funding under the RDI Scheme. The reply also highlighted TDB’s conflict‑of‑interest policy for committee members.
Key Developments
- All 12 members of the Investment Committee were disclosed, including industry veterans such as Dr. Saurabh Srivastava (Chairperson) and Sh. K.R.S. Jamwal (Member).
- Eight projects were approved under the RDI Scheme, involving firms like Noccarc Robotics Pvt. Ltd., EndureAir Systems Pvt. Ltd., and Dhruva Space Pvt. Ltd..
- The Committee follows a strict conflict‑of‑interest policy; members cannot vote on projects where they have a direct stake.
- The information was provided in a written reply to a parliamentary question, underscoring parliamentary oversight of technology funding.
Important Facts
Committee Composition
- Chairperson: Dr. Saurabh Srivastava – Former Chairman, NASSCOM & IVCA, Co‑founder, Indian Angel Network.
- Members include senior executives from Tata Industries, Pinnacle Industries, Tejas Networks, Persistent Systems, TVS Capital, Tata Steel, and venture capital firms.
- The ex‑officio Secretary, Technology Development Board serves as Member‑Secretary without voting rights.
Projects Funded (selected)
- Noccarc Robotics Pvt. Ltd. (Pune) – funded under Dr. Srivastava’s portfolio.
- EndureAir Systems Pvt. Ltd. (Noida) – funded under both Dr. Srivastava and Sh. Jamwal.
- Dhruva Space Pvt. Ltd. (Hyderabad) – funded under Dr. Srivastava.
- Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd. (Chennai) – funded under Sh. Gopal Srinivasan.
- Serigen Mediproducts Pvt. Ltd. (Maharashtra) – funded under Dr. Anand Deshpande.
Relevance for UPSC
The disclosure illustrates how the Indian government uses statutory bodies like the TDB to promote indigenous innovation, a key theme in GS3 (Science & Technology). Understanding the composition of the Investment Committee helps aspirants grasp the public‑private partnership model and the importance of conflict‑of‑interest safeguards, relevant for GS4 (Ethics) and GS2 (Polity – parliamentary oversight).
Way Forward
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure funded projects achieve commercial viability.
- Periodically review the conflict‑of‑interest policy to adapt to evolving industry structures.
- Encourage greater participation of start‑ups from Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities to broaden the innovation ecosystem.
- Maintain transparent reporting of funding decisions in Parliament to uphold accountability.
These steps will enhance the effectiveness of the RDI Scheme and align technology funding with national development goals.