RDD&D, and Manufacture of New and Renewable Energy

The RDD&D and Manufacture of New & Renewable Energy scheme is administered by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. It was formalised through policy guidelines in 2006-08 (Office Memorandum dated 23 July 2008) referred to as “Policy Guidelines of Research, Design, Development, Demonstration (RDD&D) and Manufacture of New & Renewable Energy”. The purpose of the scheme is to support R&D, design, development, demonstration and eventual indigenous manufacture of new and renewable energy (NRE) technologies, processes, materials, components and systems. The benefit to your enterprise (if you are an MSME/Startup in the renewable energy value‐chain) is assistance (grant or financial support) to carry out innovation, prototype development, demonstration and manufacture of NRE technologies — helping you become globally competitive.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Wide technology & system focus across renewable energy spectrum: The scheme covers solar PV, solar thermal, wind, small hydro, biogas, hydrogen/fuel cells, geothermal, hybrid systems, storage devices, etc. For you as a startup in the renewable sector, this means many technology domains are eligible.
Financial assistance: up to 100% for research institutions, up to ~50-70% for industry/startups: The guidelines specify that for Government/ non‐profit research/academic institutions, MNRE may provide up to 100% of project cost. For industry/private organisations/start-ups, normally financial support is restricted to 50% (and up to 70% in special cases).
Support for entire value‐chain: R&D → Design → Development → Demonstration → Manufacture: The scheme explicitly mentions activities including prototype development, demonstration projects, system integration, manufacture of devices and systems.
Emphasis on indigenisation and cost reduction: The policy emphasises that the underlying purpose of RDD&D is to make industry competitive and renewable energy generation supply self-sustainable/profitable. Also, to increase share of indigenously designed, developed and manufactured devices.
Collaboration between research institutions, industry, start-ups, consortia: The guidelines mention partners may be R&D institutions, academic bodies, private industry, joint consortia (Indian/foreign) but led by Indian company with >51% Indian ownership.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation & Example
Grant/financial support to research institutions/non-profits	Up to 100% of project cost in many cases.	Example: A university researching next-gen solar cell materials may receive full funding for its development and demonstration project.
Grant/financial support to industry/start-ups	Typically up to 50% of project cost; in special cases up to ~70% for manufacturing/R&D demonstration.	Example: A start-up manufacturing wind turbine sub-system may receive funding covering 50% of its prototype cost (rest by promoter).
Focus on prototype, demonstration & manufacture	Funding covers R&D, prototyping, demonstration, system integration and manufacture.	Example: After R&D works, you as MSME may get support to demonstrate a 100 kW solar‐wind hybrid system and set up small scale manufacturing.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

Research & development institutions, universities, academic institutions, autonomous institutions.
Industry/manufacturing units/private companies/start-ups engaged in renewable energy system or device manufacture and R&D.
Joint consortia (industry + R&D) and cases involving international collaboration led by Indian Company (>51% Indian ownership.
Research, design, development of components, sub-systems, systems in renewables (solar PV, solar thermal, wind, small hydro, biogas, hybrid, hydrogen, storage).
Demonstration projects (prototype to commercial prototype) and manufacture of indigenised devices/systems.
System integration and manufacturing capability enhancement in renewable sector.

Who cannot apply:

Projects that do not lead to eventual manufacture or industrial application may not be eligible (scheme emphasises demonstration → manufacture).
For industry, promoter contribution and cost‐sharing is essential (since only up to 50-70% funding).
Projects must benchmark at international levels of performance, cost, standards as per guidelines.

Documents Required

Project proposal/innovation description, including technology, manufacturing plan, prototype/demonstration plan
Budget estimate (cost breakdown of R&D/manufacture, prototype, demonstration)
Business entity registration (company, start-up, research institution)
KYC of promoters/organisation (PAN, Aadhaar, address proof)
Team credentials (technical R&D team, manufacturing capability)
Manufacturing infrastructure details (if ready) or plan thereof
Intellectual property status (if applicable)
Collaboration agreement (if consortium)
Financial plan and promoter contribution details
Any past performance (for start-ups/companies)

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.

Recommended for : startups, institutions, and manufacturers seeking expert support.

Option 2: Apply Through MNRE (Official Route)

Visit the MNRE official website and navigate to the RDD&D/R&D programme section.
Download the proposal format (Technical + Financial).
Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, methodology, timelines, and budget.
Submit the proposal to MNRE through email/online portal as prescribed.
MNRE conducts technical appraisal via expert committees.
After approval, the project is sanctioned and fund release begins in stages based on milestones.

Option 3: Apply Through Collaborating Institutions

Partner with IITs, CSIR labs, R&D centers, or renewable energy manufacturing firms.
Submit a joint proposal with defined roles for each participant.
Lead institute submits to MNRE under institutional category.
Upon approval, collaborative project framework is executed under MNRE monitoring.