PM Modi opens ESTIC 2025 and launches ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme Fund
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 3 November 2025 and launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund.
Summary
The ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme Fund launched at ESTIC 2025 on 3 November 2025 aims to build a private sector–driven research and development ecosystem. In his address PM Modi said India's R&D expenditure had doubled in a decade and the number of registered patents had increased 17 times. ESTIC 2025 ran from 3 to 5 November with over 3,000 participants. The Union Cabinet approved the RDI Scheme on 1 July 2025; a Special Purpose Fund within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) acts as custodian of the funds, and the Department of Science and Technology is the nodal department.
Key facts
- Event
- ESTIC 2025, Bharat Mandapam, 3–5 Nov 2025
- Launched
- ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme Fund
- Aim
- Private sector–driven R&D
- RDI approved
- Union Cabinet, 1 July 2025
- Custodian
- Special Purpose Fund within ANRF
- Nodal department
- DST
- Patents
- Registered patents up 17 times in a decade
Practice MCQs 4 questions
What is the size of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund launched by PM Modi at ESTIC 2025 on 3 November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹1 lakh crore
PM Modi launched the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme Fund to promote private sector–driven R&D.
Where was the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 held?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PM Modi addressed ESTIC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi; the conclave ran from 3 to 5 November 2025.
Under the RDI Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet on 1 July 2025, the Special Purpose Fund that acts as custodian of funds is set up within which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Anusandhan National Research Foundation
The Special Purpose Fund within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is the first-level custodian; DST is the nodal department.
At ESTIC 2025, PM Modi said the number of registered patents in India had increased by how many times over the last decade?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 17 times
The PM said India's R&D expenditure had doubled in the last decade and registered patents had increased 17 times.