Ministry Clarifies TDB's RDI Scheme Selection Process
The Ministry of Science & Technology issued a clarification on July 31, 2026, addressing media reports published the same day that alleged conflict of interest in the disbursement of funds to companies under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme by the Technology Development Board (TDB). The Ministry categorically stated that these reports are "misleading, incorrect, and lack proper context."
The clarification outlines several key aspects of TDB's evaluation mechanisms. A comprehensive and robust Conflict of Interest policy has been systematically followed at TDB over a long period without any complaints, grievances, or irregularities reported. Prior to the commencement of the 1st Investment Committee (IC) meeting, TDB framed detailed Pre-Investment Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) that explicitly lay down conditions under which potential conflict of interest arises. The policy mandates full disclosure and complete recusal of any concerned member from all discussions and decision-making processes regarding entities where they have potential conflict.
TDB has strictly adhered to these guidelines in both letter and spirit, with all funding decisions taken purely on merit as per the Implementation Guidelines of the RDI Fund. The Ministry emphasized that there was zero involvement of any conflicted members during the evaluation or sanction process of concerned proposals.
The selection process received independent external validation, as 15 out of the 22 projects approved by TDB in its first cohort were independently selected by separate expert panels constituted by the Ministry of Education. These projects represented India at the prestigious Bharat Innovate Event held in Nice, France, demonstrating that the selected companies are cutting-edge Deep-Tech innovators chosen entirely on technical merit, innovation potential, and national importance.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and meritocracy in supporting India's growing research and innovation ecosystem.