India has taken a decisive step toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse with the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. Announced during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, the scheme aims to turbocharge private-led innovation and build a self-reliant research ecosystem aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047.
A New Era of Innovation
India’s R&D expenditure has more than doubled in the last decade — from Rs 60,196 crore in 2010–11 to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2020–21. The Central Government now contributes 43.7% of total spending, signalling strong policy support for scientific advancement and innovation-driven growth.
Under the RDI Scheme, the government will provide long-term, low-interest financing to private companies, research start-ups, and industry innovators. The aim: to accelerate commercialization of new technologies, boost deep-tech research, and encourage industry–academia collaboration.
Global Recognition for India’s Research Edge
●India ranks 3rd globally in Science & Engineering PhDs, after the U.S. and China.
●Patent filings have tripled, from 24,000 in 2020–21 to 68,000 in 2024–25, reflecting a rapid surge in domestic innovation.
●India’s per capita R&D spend has grown from PPP$ 29.2 to PPP$ 42.0, showing increasing global competitiveness.
Policy Framework Driving Growth
The government has rolled out several key policies to strengthen India’s innovation pipeline:
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) – Mobilising Rs 50,000 crore to fund high-impact research.
BioE3 Policy (2024) – Driving biotech innovation for economy, environment, and employment.
National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, and Semiconductor Mission – Cementing India’s place in the next-generation tech race.
Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 – Creating a nationwide network of innovators, incubators, and young entrepreneurs.
Digital Public Infrastructure Fuelling Innovation
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — including UPI, Aadhaar, Co-WIN, and DigiLocker — has emerged as a foundation for technological progress. These platforms enhance transparency, promote data-driven research, and connect millions of citizens, researchers, and enterprises.
UPI alone now processes 20 billion transactions monthly, worth over Rs 24.85 lakh crore, and operates in seven countries — proving India’s global tech leadership.
Towards a Knowledge-Driven, Self-Reliant India
Speaking at the ESTIC Conclave, senior officials emphasised that the RDI Scheme will unlock innovation potential across sectors such as space, semiconductors, biotech, and AI — paving the way for sustainable, inclusive growth.
India’s innovation journey, powered by bold policies, institutional reform, and digital empowerment, is rapidly transforming the country into a research-driven, technology-led global leader — a cornerstone of the vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
