TDB Launches First RDI Call to Fund High-Risk Technologies

10 Feb 2026 CW Team

The financing framework offers concessional interest rates of two to four per cent and tenures of up to 15 years, including moratorium provisions, and incorporates equity-linked options to share risk. The TDB said support will be provided through loans, equity or hybrid instruments rather than grants, and that the maximum funding support will be up to 50 per cent of total project cost with matching contributions by companies or private investors. Collateral-free financing is available with no requirement for personal or corporate guarantees.

The first call targets projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) four and above and will be delivered via Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs). Proposal evaluation will be based on scientific, technological, financial and commercial merit with defined timelines for assessment and disbursement and an approval aim within an eight-week timeframe. The initiative is designed to enable sustainable commercial deployment of technologies while maintaining financial discipline and accountability.

Officials noted a robust early response, with 191 proposals received and a significant majority from the private sector, which was taken to reflect growing confidence in government support for innovation-led growth. The RDI Fund received Cabinet approval in July 2025 and was launched by the Prime Minister in November 2025 as part of a long-term vision to build indigenous capabilities. Senior stakeholders at the launch included the Secretary of the Technology Development Board and the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Technology Development Board (TDB) launched the first open call under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), aiming to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting commercialisation of indigenous technologies. The call was unveiled by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and is intended to provide structured, long-term financing to enable private enterprises to scale technologies previously confined to the public domain. The RDI Fund has a total corpus of Rs one trillion (Rs 1 tn). The financing framework offers concessional interest rates of two to four per cent and tenures of up to 15 years, including moratorium provisions, and incorporates equity-linked options to share risk. The TDB said support will be provided through loans, equity or hybrid instruments rather than grants, and that the maximum funding support will be up to 50 per cent of total project cost with matching contributions by companies or private investors. Collateral-free financing is available with no requirement for personal or corporate guarantees. The first call targets projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) four and above and will be delivered via Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs). Proposal evaluation will be based on scientific, technological, financial and commercial merit with defined timelines for assessment and disbursement and an approval aim within an eight-week timeframe. The initiative is designed to enable sustainable commercial deployment of technologies while maintaining financial discipline and accountability. Officials noted a robust early response, with 191 proposals received and a significant majority from the private sector, which was taken to reflect growing confidence in government support for innovation-led growth. The RDI Fund received Cabinet approval in July 2025 and was launched by the Prime Minister in November 2025 as part of a long-term vision to build indigenous capabilities. Senior stakeholders at the launch included the Secretary of the Technology Development Board and the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..