PM Modi Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme, Announces 25,000 New Atal Labs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme - a major initiative aimed at providing capital support for “high-risk, high-impact projects” and boosting India’s innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2025, Modi said the government is encouraging greater private sector participation in research and development. “India is working to build a modern innovation ecosystem and is focusing on improving the ease of doing research,” he said, highlighting reforms in financial rules and procurement policies.

The Prime Minister noted that new regulations, incentives, and supply-chain measures have been introduced to ensure that prototypes move swiftly from laboratories to markets.

Addressing scientists, innovators, and academics, Modi also announced plans to expand the Atal Tinkering Labs initiative. Nearly 10,000 such labs have already been established across the country, offering hands-on innovation experience to over one crore school students. Building on this success, the government now plans to set up 25,000 additional Atal Tinkering Labs to further nurture creativity and scientific temper among young minds.