Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
A programme by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) (Anusandhan National Research Foundation)
A government fund that lends and invests through fund managers into private research and development, including startups. It does not give grants.
At a glance
| Best for | Research-intensive private companies and startups, reached through fund managers; fund managers apply to ANRF directly |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – Growth |
| Format | Online |
| Run with | Technology Development Board, BIRAC |
About Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
The RDI Fund is a special purpose fund within ANRF, approved by the Union Cabinet on 1 July 2025 for six years. It backs private-sector research, development and innovation in sunrise and strategic sectors such as energy and climate, quantum technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, health, space and the digital economy.
What it provides
- Long-term, low-interest loans, usually unsecured
- Equity financing, particularly for startups and early-stage deep-tech ventures
- Contributions to deep-tech funds of funds
- Financing of up to half of the assessed project cost, with the rest met by the project owner. Exceptions need approval
- It does not give grants or short-term loans
Who can apply
- ANRF's direct applicants are second-level fund managers: alternative investment funds, development finance institutions, non-banking finance companies and focused research organisations. The Technology Development Board and BIRAC are named managers
- Startups and companies get money from those managers, for projects at technology readiness level 4 or above
- Incubators and accelerators are generally not eligible
How to apply: The fund's own call for proposals page was empty when we checked. Fund-manager questions go to rdi-fund@anrf.gov.in. As a startup, approach the appointed fund managers.
Where to apply
Other ANRF programmes
- MAHA MedTech MissionANRF's mission to fund medical devices and diagnostics from technology readiness level 3 to 8, open to DPIIT startups, MSMEs, hospitals and academic teams.
- ANRF Translational Research and Innovation (ATRI)Funds academic teams to set up centres that move technology from technology readiness level 4 to 7 and mentor startups.
- MAHA Drones ProgramA consortium programme for drone subsystems that needs at least one industry or startup partner alongside an academic or laboratory lead.
- MAHA Water ProgramA mission for water technologies from technology readiness level 2 to 7, led by academic or laboratory teams with startups and industry as cash-contributing collaborators.
- ANRF Catalytic Partnership ProgramSeed funding for institutions that want to create a new, large research and innovation institution with industry and philanthropic partners.
- ANRF researcher grants and fellowshipsGrants, fellowships and chairs for academics and scientists, such as PM ECRG, Ramanujan, J. C. Bose and N-PDF. Not for startups.
Everything about Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)