What happened (conflict-of-interest disclosures in start-up funding panels)
The Technology Development Board (TDB) secretary under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) stated in Parliament that conflicts of interest in expert panels that evaluate technology start-ups for public funding are “unavoidable,” but can be managed through guidelines. The remarks followed parliamentary disclosures and media reporting that some expert panel members had financial links to companies they assessed as eligible for funding.
DST and TDB disclosures described the role of TDB in supporting technology innovation projects under the R&D Innovation (RDI) Fund. DST disclosures also stated that companies can participate in more than one project funded through TDB.
In response to Rajya Sabha questions, DST identified the investment committee chaired by Dr. Saurabh Srivastava and listed individuals linked to various companies as investment committee members. DST disclosures also stated that the TDB secretary serves as member-secretary of the investment committee without voting rights.
DST disclosures further stated that some companies approved for TDB funding had received funding from organizations represented on the investment committee or on the TDB governing board.
Background and earlier position (how TDB frames the conflict issue)
Related current affairs
- Conflict of interest in selecting expert panels to disburse public funds for technology start-ups is ‘unavoidable’: Pathak
- Government reiterates robust conflict-of-interest and merit-based governance for RDI Fund disbursals
- TDB-DST supports Griva Healthcare for commercialization of indigenous AI-powered cervical cancer screening technology (GrivaVision)
- Cabinet-approved RDIF progress: TDB and BIRAC onboarded; TDB projects sanctioned; BIRAC projects shortlisted
- Science Ministries review preparations for nationwide coastal cleanliness campaign 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' (10-19 Sep 2026)