Clarification Regarding Selection Process and Conflict of Interest Policy Under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme by Technology Development Board (TDB)

The Ministry of Science & Technology clarified that media reports alleging conflict of interest in the disbursement of funds under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme by the Technology Development Board (TDB) are misleading. It stated that TDB has a comprehensive Conflict of Interest policy that has been applied without any complaint. Prior to the first Investment Committee meeting, TDB issued Pre‑Investment Guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures that require members with a potential conflict to disclose and recuse themselves. All funding decisions were made on merit, with no conflicted members involved. Independent external assessments validated the merit‑based selection: 15 of the 22 projects in the first cohort were chosen by expert panels of the Ministry of Education and later showcased at the Bharat Innovate Event in France. The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, integrity and meritocracy in supporting research and innovation.