In a major boost to India’s startup and innovation ecosystem, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, has announced the removal of the mandatory three-year eligibility condition for startups seeking support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The announcement was made during an official interaction, as reported by News On Air, India’s public service broadcaster under Prasar Bharati. The decision is aimed at encouraging early-stage startups, deep-tech innovators, and first-generation entrepreneurs to access government-backed research funding without waiting for operational maturity.
🚀 What Has Changed?
Earlier, startups were required to have completed at least three years of operations to be eligible for funding under the RDI framework. With this condition removed:
- Newly registered startups can now apply immediately
- Idea-stage and prototype-stage ventures gain faster access to funding
- Innovation cycles are expected to shorten, accelerating commercialization
This reform aligns with the government’s vision of making India a global innovation hub and strengthening the startup–research–industry pipeline.
🔬 Why the RDI Fund Matters
The Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund has been designed to:
- Support high-risk, high-impact research
- Promote indigenous technology development
- Encourage collaboration between startups, academia, and industry
- Reduce dependence on imported technologies
By opening doors to younger startups, the fund is expected to play a critical role in sectors such as AI, biotech, clean energy, space tech, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
🏛️ Government’s Broader Startup Vision
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that innovation does not wait for timelines and policies must adapt to the speed of ideas, not the age of companies. The move complements existing initiatives like:
- Startup India
- Atal Innovation Mission
- National Deep Tech Startup Policy
- Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat
Industry experts believe this decision will democratize access to research funding and help India nurture more globally competitive startups from the ground up.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for informational and educational purposes only, based on official statements and reports published by News On Air / Prasar Bharati. It does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Policies, eligibility conditions, and funding norms related to the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund are subject to change at the discretion of the Government of India. Startups and applicants are advised to refer to official government notifications and websites for the most accurate and updated information.
