RDI Fund appoints first 19 second-level managers, allocating ₹7,131 crore
The Research, Development and Innovation Fund has selected 19 second-level fund managers, including 14 alternative investment funds and five research organisations, and committed ₹7,131 crore to them.
The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund announced the appointment of its first group of 19 second-level fund managers, comprising 14 alternative investment funds and five focused research organisations, with a combined commitment of ₹7,131 crore. These managers are tasked with mobilising private sector capital equal to the fund’s own investment, thereby leveraging public money to support high-risk, high-impact research and development.
The selection process began with a call for applications in January 2026 and involved a rigorous, multi-stage review that was ultimately approved by the ANRF executive council and the Empowered Group of Secretaries. The RDI Fund, a ₹1 trillion initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2025, is administered by an independent unit within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology. Officials indicated that further rounds of applications will be invited to expand the programme’s reach and deepen public-private partnerships.
Why it matters
The funding will boost private investment in high-risk R&D, helping India close a critical innovation financing gap.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps report the appointment of 19 second-level managers for the RDI Fund, but right-leaning coverage adds details about the huge financial commitment, private-capital leverage and a rigorous selection process.
CENTER
Centrist coverage reports the government's selection of 19 second-level fund managers for the RDI Fund, outlining their role and composition.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage highlights the substantial financial commitment and private-capital leverage of the RDI Fund managers, stressing the rigorous selection process and the fund’s launch by the prime minister.
The right emphasises
- combined commitment of ₹7,131 crore
- task to mobilise private sector capital equal to the fund’s own investment
- rigorous multi-stage review approved by the executive council and secretaries
In this story
