Bengaluru, October 17, 2026: C-CAMP has been selected as one of five Focused Research Organisations (FROs) under the RDI Fund, the government’s ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation initiative. According to C-CAMP’s announcement, it has a declared allocation of ₹500 crore for investment in deeptech innovation.
The other four FROs are linked to IISc, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras and BITS Pilani. The group includes ARTPARK at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras Research Park, SINE at IIT Bombay, PIEDS at BITS Pilani and C-CAMP.
What does C-CAMP’s RDI Fund selection mean?
C-CAMP will act as a second-level fund manager, not as a recipient of research grants. It aims to fund high-risk biotech innovations in healthcare, agriculture and the environment. Its director-CEO, Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, said the organisation is delighted to help bring more deeptech startups closer to impact.
The ₹500 crore is an allocation for C-CAMP to deploy. It is not a grant to any single startup, and it will not be available all at once.
How does the RDI Fund work?
The RDI scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and launched in November 2025, with a six-year outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. It sits within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Selected managers channel capital to eligible technology enterprises at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above. They are also expected to mobilise private capital equal to the RDI contribution, which could lift the total available to biotech companies beyond ₹500 crore. C-CAMP’s final consortium size has not been independently confirmed.
The first cohort of 19 fund managers, 14 AIFs and five FROs, carries a total government commitment of ₹7,131 crore.
Which biotech startups could benefit?
C-CAMP’s focus areas include diagnostics, medical devices, agricultural biotech and environmental solutions. The RDI Fund has already supported 22 startups through direct project funding, two of them C-CAMP portfolio companies: Eyestem Research and Peptris Technologies.
Working in these sectors does not guarantee funding. Startups must meet eligibility criteria, including TRL 4 or higher, and pass the fund manager’s evaluation.
Why it matters for Bengaluru’s biotech ecosystem
C-CAMP says it has funded, mentored, incubated and accelerated 360+ startups (2023 figure). Biotech companies often need long timelines, lab validation and regulatory work, which suits patient capital better than short-cycle venture funding. An RDI-backed vehicle based in Bengaluru could help startups that have moved past early research but still need substantial investment before reaching the market.
What to watch
The scheme has had a slow start. The Ken reported that, of 162 AIFs and 38 FROs that applied in January, only TDB and BIRAC had received approval letters at the time. Concerns have also been raised about how companies are selected for concessional loans. C-CAMP’s selection is a positive step, but the real test is how quickly and transparently capital reaches eligible startups.
What should founders do now?
- Follow C-CAMP’s official channels for calls and eligibility details.
- Read the scheme’s guidelines and FAQs on the official RDI Fund portal.
- Prepare documents on technology stage, IP, validation data, funding need and use of funds.
- Confirm that your technology meets the TRL 4+ threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What is the C-CAMP RDI Fund selection?
C-CAMP is one of five Focused Research Organisations chosen under the government’s ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund. It will act as a second-level fund manager.
Is the ₹500 crore a grant to startups?
No. It is an allocation for C-CAMP to invest in eligible technology startups. The RDI Fund does not support grants.
Which startups are eligible?
Eligible technology companies generally need to be at TRL 4 or above. C-CAMP will announce the final criteria and application process.
Which other organisations were selected as FROs?
ARTPARK (IISc Bengaluru), IIT Madras Research Park, SINE (IIT Bombay) and PIEDS (BITS Pilani)
Sources: Press Network of India (C-CAMP announcement); RDI Fund portal and ANRF; India Today and Inc42 reporting on the first RDI cohort; BioSpectrum India; The Ken.