PM Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme at ESTIC 2025

On 3rd November 2025, Prime Minister launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The initiative aims to create a private sector–driven research ecosystem and accelerate India’s emergence as a global science and technology hub.

Key Points

Event Overview: The Prime Minister inaugurated ESTIC 2025, welcoming scientists, innovators, academics, and global experts to collaborate and shape India’s technological future.
Objective of ESTIC 2025: The conclave seeks to encourage global collaboration in emerging science and technology, uniting experts to guide the exponential pace of 21st-century innovation.
RDI Scheme Details: The ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme will fund high-risk, high-impact projects, strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and academia, and enhance the ease of doing research.
India’s R&D Growth: India’s R&D expenditure has doubled in the past decade, patent filings have risen 17-fold, and the country has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with over 6,000 deep-tech ventures.
Women in Science: PM Modi highlighted rising female participation, noting that patent filings by women have increased from fewer than 100 annually to over 5,000, with 43% of STEM enrolments now being women.
Education and Research Initiatives: The Prime Minister announced the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs from 10,000 to 25,000 and 10,000 new Prime Minister’s Research Fellowships over five years. Seven new IITs and sixteen IIITs have also been established.