ESTIC 2025: PM Modi Unveils 1 Lakh-Crore R&D Fund to Drive India's Innovation Growth
ESTIC 2025: PM Modi Unveils 1 Lakh-Crore R&D Fund to Drive India’s Innovation Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He announced a 1 lakh-crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to encourage private sector participation in research and technology.
Modi called this move a landmark achievement for India’s innovation journey. He said the initiative will provide financial support to high-risk projects that promise substantial returns. “This 1 lakh crore is for expanding capabilities, creating opportunities, and strengthening India’s leadership in the global innovation field,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also launched the “Anusandhan Research Foundation”, which aims at enhancing collaborative research between academia and industry.
The three-day ESTIC 2025 event has attracted over 3,000 attendees, including Nobel Laureates, global scientists, policymakers, and business leaders. They will focus on 11 key areas, such as AI, quantum technology, climate and energy solutions, space science, and health innovations.
Modi highlighted India’s growing technological strength, mentioning achievements like the GSAT-7R satellite launch and the success of the digital public infrastructure model. “India is moving from being a technology consumer to becoming a technology pioneer,” he pointed out.
The government believes the new RDI Fund will pave the way for various transformative projects, help industries innovate more quickly, and support India’s goal of becoming a $10-trillion innovation-led economy.
PM inaugurated ESTIC 2025 in New Delhi, announcing a 1 lakh-crore RDI Fund for growth in research and technology.