Technology Development Board Initiates Disbursement of RDI Fund to Support Startups
TDB kicks off RDI fund disbursal, backs startups across space, drones, biotech
The Economic Times
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The Technology Development Board (TDB) has begun disbursing funds from the ₹1 lakh crore Research and Development Initiative (RDI) fund, aiming to allocate ₹500-600 crore this financial year. The first tranche supports 22 projects, including startups in drones, spacetech, and biotechnology.
- 01TDB has started disbursing funds from the ₹1 lakh crore RDI fund.
- 02Around ₹500-600 crore is expected to be allocated in the current financial year.
- 0322 projects have been selected, including 14 startups and 5 MSMEs.
- 04Funding amounts range from ₹3 crore to ₹150 crore based on project needs.
- 05The RDI fund aims to support deeptech firms and industry-led research in India.
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The Technology Development Board (TDB) has commenced the disbursement of funds from the ₹1 lakh crore (approximately $12 billion USD) Research and Development Initiative (RDI) fund, with expectations to allocate between ₹500-600 crore (roughly $60-72 million USD) during the current financial year. TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak announced that 22 projects have been selected, which include 14 startups, 5 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 3 listed companies. Funding amounts vary, with 'ticket sizes' ranging from ₹3 crore (about $360,000 USD) to ₹150 crore (approximately $18 million USD) depending on project requirements. Notable recipients include Bengaluru-based iSTEM Research, which received ₹50 crore for developing indigenous cell therapies, and Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, which was allocated ₹105 crore for a modular satellite platform. The RDI fund, announced by the Indian government in November 2025, aims to foster deeptech innovation and industry-led research over six years.
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The disbursement of funds will enable startups and MSMEs to innovate and develop advanced technologies, potentially leading to job creation and economic growth in the deeptech sector.
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