Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a landmark ₹1 lakh crore (approximately $12 billion) Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme on Monday, November 3, at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The announcement marks one of the largest-ever investments in India’s research and innovation ecosystem, aiming to empower private-sector-led scientific development and technological advancement across the nation.
The event, organized under the banner of the Empowering Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister around 9:30 AM. He is expected to address the nation and share his vision for India’s next decade of innovation, research excellence, and technological leadership.
India’s Vision for a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem
The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund is designed to stimulate India’s research infrastructure by bridging the gap between academia, industries, and startups. According to government officials, this initiative seeks to create an ecosystem that promotes cutting-edge research while encouraging the private sector to play a pivotal role in technological breakthroughs.
Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that the scheme aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a global innovation powerhouse. The fund will support large-scale projects in sectors ranging from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to space science and renewable energy.
The RDI Scheme represents a strategic move to strengthen India’s position in the global research and innovation landscape, empowering homegrown enterprises and startups to compete internationally while attracting global investors to the country’s technology sector.
ESTIC 2025: Bringing Together the Brightest Minds
The Empowering Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) will run from November 3 to November 5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam. It will witness participation from more than 3,000 delegates, including Nobel laureates, renowned scientists, leading innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and senior government officials.
This high-profile event aims to foster collaboration between education institutions, research organizations, industries, and government bodies. It will serve as a platform for discussing transformative ideas and shaping future strategies for scientific growth.
A senior official from the Ministry of Science and Technology said,
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made rapid strides in innovation. ESTIC 2025 will further connect global experts and Indian innovators to co-create sustainable, technology-driven solutions for the future.”
Focus Areas: 11 Strategic Sectors for Future Growth
According to the PMO, deliberations during the three-day event will focus on 11 key sectors identified as critical for India’s technological future. These include:
- Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Bio-Manufacturing
- Blue Economy and Ocean Research
- Digital Communication and Connectivity
- Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Emerging Agricultural Technologies
- Energy Transition and Clean Technologies
- Environment and Climate Innovation
- Health and Medical Technologies
- Quantum Science and Space Technology
These areas represent the foundation of India’s next-generation industrial and scientific revolution. The RDI Fund is expected to provide both financial support and collaborative opportunities for projects in these sectors.
Empowering Startups and Youth Innovators
The ESTIC 2025 is not just about policy-level discussions — it is designed to empower young innovators, researchers, and startups. The event will feature panel discussions, live technology demonstrations, and innovation showcases, where students and entrepreneurs can present their groundbreaking ideas.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying:
“ESTIC 2025 provides a global platform for young innovators and researchers to connect directly with industries, mentors, and policymakers. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing an innovation-driven transformation that will define our economic and scientific future.”
Through the RDI Scheme, the government aims to create a synergized ecosystem where research institutions collaborate with industry leaders and startups to deliver scalable solutions — from AI-driven healthcare to climate-resilient agriculture.
A New Era of Research Funding in India
The ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund represents one of the largest public-private collaborative investments in India’s history. By encouraging private sector participation, the government hopes to reduce dependence on public grants and instead promote a market-driven research model that rewards innovation and results.
The initiative will also support intellectual property creation, patent filing, and technology commercialization, ensuring that research outcomes lead to tangible benefits for the Indian economy and society.
Experts believe this approach will not only attract domestic innovators but also international collaborations with universities, research labs, and technology firms across the UK, US, and Europe.
Global Collaboration and Policy Exchange
ESTIC 2025 is expected to host delegations from several global organizations, including representatives from UNESCO, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and international universities. This engagement underscores India’s growing role as a science and technology hub in the global innovation landscape.
The conclave will also feature a Global Innovation Dialogue, where experts will discuss how emerging economies can collaborate on sustainable technology, space research, and digital transformation.
Through this initiative, India seeks to position itself as a leader in ethical and inclusive innovation, ensuring that technology development aligns with global sustainability goals.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision for the Future
Over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the role of innovation and science in driving India’s economic growth. Initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and Digital India have already laid the foundation for a vibrant tech ecosystem.
The launch of the RDI Fund represents a continuation of this vision, focusing on creating an innovation-driven economy that prioritizes research excellence, technological independence, and global competitiveness.
Speaking at a recent cabinet meeting, PM Modi noted that India’s scientific community is “the engine of national progress” and that innovation must be “at the heart of every policy decision.”
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Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Impact
Economists and industry leaders have welcomed the RDI initiative, calling it a “game-changer” for India’s innovation landscape. The fund is expected to:
- Create thousands of high-value research jobs
- Encourage cross-sector collaboration between academia and industry
- Boost startups and deep-tech ventures
- Strengthen India’s global intellectual property footprint
- Attract foreign investment in advanced technology sectors
If executed effectively, analysts believe the initiative could help India become one of the world’s top five research and innovation economies within the next decade.
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Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward a Future-Ready India
The launch of the Research, Development and Innovation Scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a historic moment in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in science and technology. With strategic investments, inclusive participation, and a vision rooted in sustainability and excellence, this initiative promises to redefine how India innovates for the world.
As ESTIC 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on New Delhi — where policy, research, and innovation converge to script the next chapter of India’s technological evolution.
