Tech Development Board selects 13 companies for second RDI fund cohort

The Technology Development Board (TDB) has advanced its Research and Development Initiative (RDI) fund into its second phase by selecting 13 companies for investment, according to TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak. The fund aims to support domestic innovation across emerging technological areas while maintaining robust oversight mechanisms.

Pathak highlighted that the RDI fund is focused on identifying promising companies working in cutting-edge domains that align with India's technological advancement objectives. The selection process for the second cohort reflects the board's commitment to nurturing a diverse portfolio of research-driven enterprises across different sectors and stages of development.

Addressing concerns about foreign control of strategic investments, Pathak outlined safeguards built into the fund's structure to prevent unwanted takeovers of portfolio companies. These measures are designed to protect India's interests while maintaining an investment environment conducive to growth and international collaboration.

The TDB Secretary also discussed governance protocols within the investment committee to address potential conflicts of interest. These procedural safeguards ensure that fund deployment decisions are made transparently and in accordance with the fund's objectives, protecting both the invested capital and the integrity of the selection process.

The second cohort selection represents a continuation of the board's efforts to catalyze innovation in sectors critical to India's economic and technological future.