Overview
- The Ministry of Science and Technology launched the first open call under the Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund administered via ANRF.
- Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said nearly 191 proposals have been received, with a majority from private firms.
- The scheme offers collateral-free financing with no personal or corporate guarantees and defined timelines for appraisal and disbursement.
- Funding will flow through second-level fund managers such as TDB as loans, equity or hybrid instruments, capped at 50% of project cost with matching contributions.
- Priority is on commercialising indigenous technologies in strategic areas including space and nuclear, with eligibility set at Technology Readiness Level 4 and above.