The government added advanced chemicals, petrochemicals and material technologies to the list of technology areas eligible for funding under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. The inclusion took effect on 8 October 2026 and aims to strengthen research, development and innovation across India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry.
DST Approves Inclusion Following DCPC Proposal
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) approved the inclusion following a proposal from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. DCPC had recommended the chemicals and petrochemicals sector as a priority area under the RDI Scheme. This decision is expected to encourage industrial research, accelerate technology development and support the creation of indigenous technologies for advanced manufacturing applications. Moreover, it could help Indian companies develop innovative solutions for chemicals, petrochemicals and high-value materials.
₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme to Boost Private-Sector Innovation
The government launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in November 2025 with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, the scheme aims to catalyse private-sector investment in research, development and innovation. The RDI Scheme provides long-term financing and refinancing on favourable terms for transformative projects. In addition, it seeks to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, strengthen India’s industrial competitiveness and promote self-reliance in critical and emerging technology areas. At the scheme’s launch, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “India is rapidly building a vibrant ecosystem for research and development. We are focusing on Ease of Doing Research so that a modern ecosystem of innovation can flourish in India.”
Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Technology Self-Reliance
The inclusion of Advanced Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Material Technologies aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem. By expanding access to innovation funding, the RDI Scheme aims to encourage companies to invest in advanced research, develop competitive technologies and commercialise new industrial solutions. As reported by pib.gov.in, the initiative could reduce dependence on imported technologies and high-value materials while supporting technology-led industrial growth. Ultimately, this move reinforces India’s efforts to build a more innovative, competitive and self-reliant chemicals and petrochemicals sector.
