The Government of India has included Advanced Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Material Technologies as an additional technology area eligible for funding under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with effect from 8 October 2026.

The decision has been taken by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, following a proposal by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

DCPC had proposed the inclusion of the chemicals and petrochemicals sector as a priority area under the RDI Scheme. The decision is expected to strengthen research, development and innovation in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector and facilitate the development of indigenous technologies for advanced industrial applications.

Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in November 2025, with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore to catalyse private-sector investment in research, development and innovation. The scheme seeks to provide long-term financing and refinancing on favourable terms for transformative projects, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, strengthen India’s industrial competitiveness and foster self-reliance in critical and emerging technology areas.

At the launch of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme last year, the Prime Minister 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.”

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers & Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, has welcomed the inclusion of the sector under the RDI Scheme and described it as an important development for the chemicals and petrochemicals industry.

Shri Nadda said the decision would provide a much-needed impetus to research and innovation, supporting the development of advanced, efficient and cost-effective technologies for manufacturing chemicals, petrochemical products, polymers and their derivatives in India.

The inclusion of Advanced Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Material Technologies is aligned with the broader objective of strengthening India's domestic manufacturing ecosystem, promoting technology-led industrial growth and reducing dependence on imported technologies and high-value materials.

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