PM Modi Announces Rs 1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund at ESTIC 2025

• PM Modi unveils Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Fund
• Announces Anusandhan Research Foundation to boost university-level innovation
• GSAT-7R launch hailed as India’s latest scientific milestone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the need for a global dialogue on emerging technologies, which laid the foundation for this conclave.

At the ceremony, PM Modi launched the Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Scheme Fund, aimed at boosting private sector investment in high-risk, high-impact R&D projects. “This fund is meant to strengthen your capabilities and unlock new opportunities. For the first time, capital is available for high-risk, high-reward projects,” he said.

He also announced the establishment of the Anusandhan Research Foundation to support innovation in universities, enabling deeper academic and technological advancements.

PM Modi highlighted India's growing leadership in science and technology, citing the rapid development of the Covid-19 vaccine and the success of the digital public infrastructure. He also celebrated Sunday’s successful launch of GSAT-7R, India’s heaviest communication satellite, congratulating ISRO scientists.

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The three-day ESTIC 2025 event brings together over 3,000 participants, including Nobel laureates, scientists, researchers, and industry leaders. They will engage across 11 focus areas such as AI, quantum tech, climate, space, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.

The conclave aims to chart India's strategic direction in science and technology while positioning the country as a hub for global innovation.