📋 Tender Overview
Key Takeaways
Rs1 lakh crore RDI Scheme launched, will boost private-led innovation.
Indias expenditure on R&D rose from Rs60,196 crore in 2010-11 to Rs1.27 lakh crore in 2020-21.
Central Government contributes 43.7% of total R&D expenditure.
Introduction
Indias research and development (R&D) ecosystem is witnessing rapid transformation, fuelled by a strong national focus on innovation-led growth. Investments in science and technology have increased steadily, supported by clear policy direction, strategic funding, and institutional reforms. This reflects Indias ambition to build a self-reliant, knowledge-driven economy that tackles key challenges through research and innovation.
The Government has placed R&D at the heart of its journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047. It recognises that science and technology drive progress in health, energy, digital transformation, and manufacturing. Efforts to deepen public and private participation, strengthen links between academia and industry, and promote emerging technologies have created a dynamic innovation ecosystem. As India marches ahead, research and innovation will remain central to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Indias R&D Expenditure and Growth Trends
Indias commitment to research and innovation has strengthened steadily over the past decade. The Governments sustained policy focus and institutional reforms have contributed to a consistent rise in R&D spending.
Key Trends and Figures:
Indias Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has more than doubled in ten years from Rs60,196.75 crore in 2010-11 to Rs1,27,380.96 crore in 2020-21.
Per capita R&D expenditure has also shown consistent growth, increasing from PPP$ 29.2 in 2007-08 to PPP$ 42.0 in 2020-21. (PPP refers to Purchasing Power Parity, which adjusts for differences in price levels between countries, allowing more accurate comparison of spending power.)
The Government sector contributes around 64% of total GERD, while the private sector accounts for about 36%.
As per Science and Engineering (S&E) Indicators 2022 by NSF, USA, India awarded 40,813 doctorates in 2018-19, of which 24,474 (60%) were in Science and Technology. India ranks 3rd globally in S&E PhDs, after the USA (41,071) and China (39,768).
The number of patents filed in India increased nearly three times from 24,326 in 2020-21 to 68,176 in 2024-25, highlighting a major surge in domestic innovation.
Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme
Launched on November 3, 2025, the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund of Rs1 lakh crore marks a landmark step in strengthening Indias research and development ecosystem. The scheme aims to build a private sector-driven innovation environment that can accelerate the nations scientific and technological progress.
ESTIC 2025
The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme was launched on 3 November 2025 during the inauguration of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.
ESTIC-2025 is currently being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 3 to 5 November 2025. Envisioned as Indias premier annual flagship platform for advancing scientific collaboration and innovation, it brings together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry, and government, along with Nobel Laureates, leading scientists, innovators, and policymakers.
Centred on the theme Viksit Bharat 2047 - Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement and Empowerment, ESTIC features several key components, including plenary talks by Nobel Laureates and global thought leaders, 11 thematic technical sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions showcasing 35+ deep-tech start-ups and sponsors stalls, and poster presentations by young scientists. Together, these components aim to inspire innovation, promote collaboration, and shape Indias roadmap for science and technology towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
Recognising the critical role of the private sector in driving innovation and commercialising research, the RDI Scheme provides long-term financing or refinancing support with extended tenors at low or nil interest rates. The initiative aims to encourage greater private investment in RDI, particularly in sunrise and strategic sectors.
The scheme also addresses existing challenges in funding private research by offering growth and risk capital. It focuses on facilitating innovation, promoting technology adoption, and improving competitiveness across emerging areas.
The key objectives of the RDI Scheme are as follows:
Encourage private sector participation: To scale up research, development, and innovation in sunrise domains and other sectors vital for economic security, strategic purpose, and self-reliance.
Finance transformative projects: To support projects at higher levels of technology readiness for faster translation from concept to market.
Support acquisition of critical technologies: To enable access to technologies of high strategic importance.
Facilitate Deep-Tech Fund of Funds: To strengthen the financing ecosystem for deep technology start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises.
Institutional and Policy Framework for Innovation
Indias innovation journey has been guided by a strong institutional framework and forward-looking policy measures. Over the last few years, the Government has undertaken a series of reforms to strengthen scientific research, promote private participation, and create an enabling environment for technology-led growth. These initiatives are aimed at making India a global hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across emerging sectors.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 (25 of 2023), came into force on 5 February 2024. It provides high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in sc
