Which 14 firms are part of the Rs 7,131 crore RDI funding cohort?

The government has approved 14 Alternative Investment Funds among 19 fund managers under the Rs 1 lakh crore RDI scheme, with Rs 7,131 crore in commitments to support research, innovation and technology development across India. 14 investment firms approved under Rs 7,131 crore RDI fund, check full list (representative image)New Delhi,Oct 13, 2026 15:19 ISTThe competent authority has approved funding commitments worth Rs 7,131 crore for 19 fund managers under the first cohort of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF). The approved cohort comprises 14 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and five Focused Research Organisations (FROs), which are expected to support research, development and innovation in India.The initiative could create opportunities across research-driven sectors by improving access to funding for innovation and technology development.LIST OF 14 APPROVED AIFSThe 14 Alternative Investment Funds approved under the first cohort of RDIF are listed below:Speciale Invest Growth FundYourNest Capital AdvisorsSixth Sense VenturesChiratae VenturesKalaari Capital Partners IndiaCelesta India AIF ManagersAdvantEdge Investment ManagersIvyCap Ventures AdvisorsIdeaspring Capital FundBlume Ventures Investment ManagerTVS Capital FundsAMA Capital AdvisorsTranslation EndeavorsCampusEDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AMONG APPROVED ORGANISATIONSThe five Focused Research Organisations (FROs) include organisations associated with IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and BITS Pilani, among others. The approvals bring research-linked institutions and investment managers into the first cohort of the RDIF scheme, aimed at supporting India's research and innovation ecosystem.WHAT IS THE RDI SCHEME?Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2025, the 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme aims to strengthen India's research ecosystem by providing long-term funding for high-risk, high-impact research and emerging technologies. The scheme seeks to bridge funding gaps in private sector research and help India develop globally competitive technologies and products.HOW WILL THE APPROVED FUND MANAGERS WORK?The 19 approved fund managers will channel RDI funding to eligible technology enterprises involved in research, development and innovation. They are also expected to mobilise private capital equivalent to their RDI contributions to encourage greater private investment in technology development.The scheme is managed by an Independent Business Unit under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which functions under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).The first application round for fund managers began in January 2026. Proposals underwent a multi-stage evaluation before being considered by the ANRF Executive Council and the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) for approval.- Ends