TDB Grant

The Technology Development Board (TDB), established by the Government of India in 1996, promotes the development and commercialization of indigenous technology. As a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, TDB specially targets the Indian technology commercialization and fills the gap between research and market applications. Several innovative research projects fail to reach the market due to lack of financial resources for scale up and commercialization. TDB solves this issue by providing soft loans and equity funding to startups and industries.

The TDB’s support is aligned with national priorities, boosting the development of technologies that meet the requirements of an increasingly self-reliant India. The board has been vital in promoting an innovative culture across numerous sectors.

The TDB Grant provides various benefits for Indian technology commercialization funding, especially for startups and SMEs:

• Affordable Funding for Early-Stage Innovations: Soft loans at subsidized rates mitigate financial constraints for startups developing advanced technologies, offering them time to improve their products and get them to market.
• Encouragement of Indigenous Technology: TDB boosts the development of indigenous technology that address local requirements, climates and markets. This minimizes dependence on imported technologies and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
• Facilitating Technology Commercialization: By bridging the financial gap between innovation and market-ready products, TDB empowers companies to commercialize their technologies and bring them to market effectively.
• Boost to Investor Confidence: Projects supported by TDB often gain credibility in the eyes of investors and partners, which makes it easier to secure additional funding in the future.
• Strategic Sector Support: TDB prioritizes sectors like clean energy, healthcare, agriculture, and IT, which are important to India’s economic and social development.
• Support for Innovation Ecosystem: TDB funding fortifies the Indian innovation ecosystem, encouraging collaboration between startups, academia, and industry to quicken technology adoption.

TDB offers financial assistance primarily through two types of funding:

• Soft Loans: TDB funding for indigenous tech startups often takes the form of soft loans, where businesses receive loans at below market interest rates. These loans come with flexible repayment terms, which helps startups focus on growth and scaling up their technologies without the immediate pressure of high-interest rates. The TDB loan application process is designed to streamline financial constraints for innovative ventures.
• Equity Participation: In certain cases, TDB provides equity participation, taking a stake in the company. This method aligns the TDB’s interests with the start up’s success and provides funding without repayment obligations for a longer period. Startups with high growth potential and innovative business models are usually eligible for equity support.

TDB supports an extensive range of sectors vital to India’s development. By focusing on these areas, TDB ensures funding aligns with government priorities like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Digital India.

• Healthcare and Medical Devices: Innovations such as affordable medical devices, diagnostic tools, and health IT solutions.
• Agriculture and Allied Technologies: Solutions that enhance farm productivity, precision farming, pest control, and post-harvest technologies.
• Energy and Renewable Resources: Innovations in solar, wind, bioenergy, and energy efficiency technologies.
• Information Technology and Electronics: Development of indigenous semiconductors, software, and digital infrastructure.
• Environmental Technologies: Solutions for waste management, water purification, and pollution control.

Who Can Apply for TDB Support?

TDB funding is available for Indian companies across sectors that determine a commitment to developing and commercializing indigenous technology. Eligible applicants include:

• Private companies incorporated in India involved in manufacturing or technology development.
• Public sector undertakings (PSUs) engaged in R&D and technology commercialization.
• Startups and SMEs developing commercially viable indigenous technologies.

The TDB funding for indigenous tech startups, application process is straightforward, although detailed. Following is a step by step process:

Eligibility Check: Before applying, ensure your company is eligible. TDB primarily supports:

• Private companies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and SMEs engaged in developing indigenous technology.
• Startups working on scalable, innovative, and commercially viable technologies.

Proposal Submission: After passing the eligibility criteria, you are required to submit a detailed proposal comprising:

• Technology feasibility and stage of development.
• Market potential and commercialization strategy.
• Financial requirements and how the funds will be utilized.
• Expected social and economic impact.

Evaluation Process: TDB examines proposals on the basis of technical feasibility, marketability, and alignment with national priorities. The board evaluates whether your technology can make a major contribution to India’s development.

Approval and Funding: Once your proposal is approved, the TDB distributes funds as soft loans or equity participation, depending on the nature of the technology and your business model.

The Technology Development Board (TDB) provides financial assistance tailored to each project’s stage of development and specific requirements. For startups using indigenous technology, TDB funding typically ranges from ₹25 lakh to ₹10 crore, depending on the scale of the project, technical innovations, and commercial viability.

• Soft Loans: Up to 50% of the total project cost, these loans are provided at concessional rates and come with long repayment durations, making them an attractive option for startups looking to scale their technologies.
• Equity Participation: Up to 25% of the total project cost. In some cases, TDB takes an equity stake in the company. This funding model helps startups secure capital without the pressure of immediate loan repayments.

TDB periodically announces Calls for Proposals (CFPs) to attract applications from startups and companies emerging innovative technology solutions. These calls are aligned with emerging national requirements and global technology trends. Some of the recent focus areas include:

• Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing: Promoting the development of critical components like chips and sensors indigenously.
• Medical Devices and Healthcare Technologies: Supporting innovations that make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
• Clean Energy and Sustainability: Technologies that combat climate change and enhance energy security.
• Agricultural Innovations: Solutions that boost productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

Many Indian startups and SMEs have successfully utilized TDB funding to bring breakthrough products to market. These examples highlight how TDB funding enables indigenous innovation to address critical societal challenges, enhance entrepreneurship, and foster sustainable development.

• AUM Biosciences: A medical device startup that secured TDB funding to scale up production of an affordable dialysis machine, reducing treatment costs by 40% and serving over 10,000 patients annually.
• AgriTech Solutions Pvt Ltd: This agritech SME received equity funding from TDB to launch precision irrigation systems, which are now used by over 15,000 farmers, saving up to 30% water while improving crop yields by 20%.
• EcoSun Energy Pvt Ltd: A renewable energy firm that used TDB funding to install solar microgrids in over 50 villages, providing clean energy to thousands of homes.

Corpseed is a leading consulting firm specializing in guiding businesses and startups through government schemes, including the TDB Grant, to secure vital funding and support for their technology development. Our expert consultants provide comprehensive assistance to help your innovation thrive with the support of TDB’s funding opportunities.

• Expert Guidance: With in-depth knowledge of the TDB Grant process, we help you navigate eligibility criteria, prepare necessary documentation, and ensure your proposal aligns with TDB’s funding priorities.
• End-to-End Application Support: We offer hands-on assistance throughout the entire journey, from proposal preparation to submission and follow-up. Our team ensures your application is error-free and submitted on time, streamlining the approval process.
• Comprehensive Legal and Compliance Assistance: Our legal experts ensure your application fully complies with TDB’s regulations and requirements. We guide you through all legal frameworks to prevent any delays or procedural issues.
• Proactive Monitoring and Follow-Up: We actively monitor your application, maintaining close coordination with authorities. We track your application status, ensure timely fund disbursal, and make any necessary adjustments to speed up the process.