Today, the Union Cabinet green-lit a ₹1 lakh crore Research–Development–Innovation (RDI) Scheme under the ANRF to supercharge private-sector R&D in AI, quantum, robotics, and more. With ₹20,000 crore already pledged in this fiscal year, the plan extends interest‑free loans for up to 50 years, channelled through expert fund managers to grow deep‑tech startups.
This bold investment addresses India’s low R&D spending (0.65% of GDP vs. global average of 2.7%), aiming to bridge the gap and spur frontier science. The long-term structure, including public–private capital infusion, signals a commitment to transforming India into a global innovation engine.
