Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh said on May 16 that quantum and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sovereignty, alongside indigenous ecosystems, will form India’s next-generation progress. He emphasised that the nation’s future development in deep-tech sectors relies on adopting a trusted and built-in method. This perspective underpinned the launch of the “Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund” Scheme, designed to speed up personal sector participation in analysis and growth.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology, on the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Jitendra Singh famous India is getting into a brand new section of innovation-driven progress by coordinated efforts in quantum applied sciences, deep-tech financing, and industry-led analysis ecosystems.
During the occasion, agreements for 5 initiatives underneath the RDI Fund Scheme have been signed, the primary digital fund disbursement underneath the scheme was made, a compendium on the RDI Scheme’s standing report was launched, and a report on the “Quantum-Safe Ecosystem in India” was formally launched.
As a key milestone underneath the RDI framework, TDB electronically transferred Rs 50 crore to M/s Eyestem Research Private Limited to assist the development and commercialisation of its indigenous cell remedy platform.
The compendium, masking TDB’s position because the Second Level Fund Manager underneath the RDI Scheme till April 2026, particulars operational progress, together with proposals obtained, sector-wise distribution, undertaking analysis, accepted initiatives, funding tendencies, and efforts to commercialise cutting-edge indigenous applied sciences throughout strategic sectors.
It additionally highlights initiatives spanning deep-tech, biotechnology, synthetic intelligence, house applied sciences, healthcare, vitality transition, local weather applied sciences, and digital infrastructure, reflecting the rising momentum of India’s research-to-commercialisation ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of the RDI initiative, Jitendra Singh stated the Government of India underneath Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a number of unconventional approaches to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and foster personal funding in analysis and growth. Unlike typical fashions anticipating unbiased {industry} participation, India has adopted a proactive method by creating institutional and monetary assist mechanisms for private-sector-led innovation.
He added, “The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where startups, MSMEs and industry can emerge as long-term innovation partners.”
Referring to broader reforms in sectors resembling house and deep know-how, the Minister said the Government has constantly inspired institutional openness and stakeholder participation, with reforms within the house sector demonstrating how strategic coverage interventions can unlock innovation and public involvement in superior know-how sectors.
Jitendra Singh underscored the rising significance of quantum applied sciences, noting India is amongst a choose group of nations investing in quantum communication, computing, sensing, and supplies underneath the National Quantum Mission. India had initially focused reaching 2,000 km quantum-secure communication functionality in eight years however has already reached almost half that in lower than 4 years.
He emphasised the significance of future cybersecurity preparedness, stating that rising quantum computing capabilities could problem present cryptographic methods utilized in banking, governance, telecommunications, and strategic infrastructure. He famous that post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and quantum-safe infrastructure shall be essential for nationwide safety and trusted digital governance.
The Minister additionally harassed making technical data extra accessible by digital platforms, AI-enabled outreach instruments, and simplified communication codecs for innovators and startups.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, described the RDI Fund as a probably transformative initiative that may catalyse large-scale personal funding in deep-tech analysis and innovation. He praised the initiative’s fast implementation, highlighting the Government’s dedication to velocity and scale in coverage execution.
Regarding the “Quantum-Safe Ecosystem in India” report, he said the nation should put together proactively for a “Q-Day” state of affairs when present encryption methods may develop into weak to quantum computing.
Sood emphasised the necessity for nationwide preparedness in post-quantum cryptography, quantum-safe communication methods, and safe digital infrastructure throughout finance, healthcare, and governance sectors.
Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Chairperson of TDB, Abhay Karandikar, stated the RDI initiative is likely one of the most vital authorities interventions to improve private-sector-led R&D in India. He highlighted intensive collaboration amongst consultants, committees, establishments, and stakeholders to operationalise the initiative.
Karandikar expressed confidence that the RDI framework will entice personal capital funding, strengthen deep-tech innovation, and assist globally aggressive applied sciences and startups.
Secretary of TDB, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, famous the fast operationalisation of the RDI initiative, with TDB turning into the primary Second Level Fund Manager to launch proposal calls, signal agreements, and launch funds underneath the scheme. He stated the initiative obtained 124 undertaking proposals value over Rs 25,000 crore.
The chosen initiatives contain startups, MSMEs, and listed firms in sectors together with well being, vitality, quantum applied sciences, and superior manufacturing. He added, “The 22 companies selected by TDB for funding under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund are some of the best startups in the country, and some of them (15) have been selected through a nationwide search as part of Bharat Innovates 2026, a global showcase of India’s Technology Innovation, scheduled to be held in Nice, France, in June.”
The programme additionally included the discharge of the RDI Scheme standing report compendium and discussions on strengthening India’s quantum-safe ecosystem by indigenous innovation, safe communication methods, and collaborative know-how growth frameworks.
The occasion concluded with a recommitment to accelerating India’s deep-tech innovation ecosystem in step with the imaginative and prescient of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Attendees included Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Ajay Kumar Sood; Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Chairperson, TDB Abhay Karandikar; Secretary, TDB Rajesh Kumar Pathak; senior officers; members of the TDB Board; funding committee members; and representatives from {industry}, startups, and analysis establishments.