RDI Fund (SLFM)

The Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, operating under the Soft Loan for Financial Management (SLFM) framework, is a strategic financial initiative by the Technology Development Board (TDB) of India. The primary objective of this scheme is to bridge the financial gap for indigenous industrial concerns that are entering the critical phases of technology development and commercialization. Unlike traditional commercial financing, this fund focuses on high-risk, high-impact innovative projects that have the potential to modernize the national industrial landscape. It serves as a catalyst for local research efforts, encouraging companies to transition from theoretical designs to practical, market-ready solutions. By providing capital under a soft loan structure, the scheme reduces the immediate financial burden on founders and large industrial entities, allowing them to focus on technical excellence and scaling. The fund aims to foster a culture of self-reliance in technology (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by supporting projects that involve the development of new products, processes, or significant improvements to existing technologies. This dedicated funding call is essential for entities that require capital for prototyping, testing, and initial commercial production of frontier technologies. The framework ensures that innovative Indian companies can compete globally by leveraging affordable capital for long-term growth and technical sovereignty.