Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 30th Foundation Day of the Technology Development Board (TDB), emphasizing the critical need for greater awareness and outreach about the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The Minister expressed concern that thousands of applications are being received from ineligible applicants who misunderstand the Fund's purpose as a conventional loan facility rather than its intended role in supporting technology development and research that contributes to national economic growth.
Dr. Singh stressed that the funding process already has proper safeguards and transparency, though the government remains open to additional suggestions. He called for specific efforts to educate stakeholders about the Fund's eligibility criteria, application process, and its strategic purpose of making science and research activities integral to economic progress. The Minister noted that better awareness would ensure the right beneficiaries avail of support, particularly at the TRL4 (Technology Readiness Level 4) stage where the RDI Fund offers support.
Regarding TDB's role, Dr. Singh stated the Board must evolve as a strategic enabler of India's future technology sectors and play an active role in educating potential beneficiaries. He highlighted TDB's original vision of translating laboratory technologies into marketable products, solutions, and enterprises that bring ease of living to citizens, provide livelihoods, and contribute to the economy. The Minister cited specific examples of TDB's successful support beyond conventional domains, including companies like Skyroot and BotLab, and praised TDB's movement beyond bureaucratic approaches to become an important part of the emerging technology ecosystem.
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of changing mindsets to keep pace with rapid technological developments and policy frameworks. He highlighted the growth of India's start-up ecosystem, noting that more than 50% of start-ups now come from smaller towns (not just Bengaluru or Hyderabad), and dispelled myths that entrepreneurship is restricted to young people alone, noting significant participation from women. The Minister also underscored the government's openness to private-sector participation across sectors including space, biotechnology, and nuclear energy, emphasizing the importance of resource pooling and institutional integration.
Looking forward, Dr. Singh outlined TDB's future role in supporting both early-phase and later-stage technology development, describing the institution as a model of public-private transition and technology self-reliance. He positioned TDB as a potential pillar of India's economy that could contribute not only domestically but also to the Global South, noting that strengthening India's technological capabilities would enhance its geopolitical status. The Minister characterized TDB's first thirty years as building the bridge between laboratory and market, while the next thirty years should focus on building global technology champions from India, moving from ideas to innovation to industry toward achieving developed nation status by 2047.