CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: India has taken another step towards strengthening domestic research and technological innovation, with the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) approving five additional technologies under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund on October 13, 2026. The initiative aims to encourage private-sector investment in research, support the development of advanced technologies and reduce dependence on imports.
Under the scheme, 19 fund managers have been onboarded to help channel financial support towards eligible research and innovation projects. These include institutions associated with leading technical and research ecosystems, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and BITS Pilani.
The RDI Fund is designed to support private companies, startups and other innovators working on high-impact technologies. By improving access to long-term funding, the initiative seeks to address a major challenge faced by research-driven businesses: the high cost and uncertainty involved in developing new technologies.
The approval of five additional technologies is expected to broaden the scheme’s scope and create more opportunities for innovation-led enterprises. The participation of experienced fund managers could also help identify promising projects and connect them with suitable financial resources.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader ambition to strengthen domestic manufacturing, build indigenous technological capabilities and improve global competitiveness. Its long-term impact will depend on effective implementation, transparent fund allocation and the successful commercialisation of research outcomes.
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