RDI Fund Approves First 19 Second-Level Fund Managers with ₹7,131 Crore Commitment
The Research, Development and Innovation Fund announced its first cohort of 19 second-level fund managers, comprising 14 Alternative Investment Funds and five Focused Research Organisations, with approved commitments of ₹7,131 crore.
What happened
The Ministry of Science and Technology reported on 12 October 2026 that an Empowered Group of Secretaries meeting on 8 October approved the first cohort of second-level fund managers under the Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF).
Key facts
- 19 institutions comprise 14 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and 5 Focused Research Organisations (FROs).
- The wider RDI Scheme has a ₹1 lakh crore fund size and launched in November 2025.
- RDIF is managed by an Independent Business Unit in the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Department of Science and Technology.
- The first call opened in January 2026.
- Eligible Technology Enterprises work at Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher.
- The release says matching private capital is expected, not already confirmed.
- The ₹7,131 crore figure is an approved commitment, not verified disbursement.
Why it matters
The programme links long-term research financing, specialist intermediaries and private-sector innovation.
Exam takeaway
Distinguish the overall fund size, first-cohort approved commitments and actual disbursement. Remember ANRF and DST.
Where this comes from
The Research, Development and Innovation Fund announced its first cohort of 19 second-level fund managers, comprising 14 Alternative Investment Funds and five Focused Research Organisations, with approved commitments of ₹7,131 crore.
- Authority / source
- Department of Science and Technology / Ministry of Science and Technology / PIB
- Update published