Ziraat Times News Desk
New Delhi, Nov 15: India’s push toward becoming a global hub for electronics design and manufacturing received a major boost as new data released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) shows that the Electronics Development Fund (EDF) has so far invested ₹257.77 crore and supported 128 tech startups across the country.
Launched in February 2016, the EDF functions as a Fund of Funds, channeling capital into professionally managed Daughter Funds such as early-stage angel and venture capital funds. These funds then invest in startups working in frontier technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, HealthTech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The Ministry noted that India’s electronics sector has undergone a major transformation in recent years due to sustained policy support and reforms. With rapid advances in technology, the EDF aims to deepen research, entrepreneurship and product development in electronics, nano-electronics and IT.
Its broader objective is to strengthen domestic design capabilities, foster IP creation and support companies involved in developing new technologies, while also reducing import dependence through strategic acquisitions and innovations.
The EDF is anchored by MeitY, with Canara Bank acting as trustee and sponsor, and Canbank Venture Capital Funds Ltd. (CVCFL) serving as the Investment Manager. Daughter Funds under the programme operate under strict regulatory compliance, including SEBI’s AIF norms.
Key operational features include:
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Minority but catalytic EDF participation in Daughter Funds
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Flexibility for fund managers to raise additional capital
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Coverage across the entire electronics and IT value chain
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Due diligence-driven selection of participating funds
As of 30 September 2025, the EDF’s eight Daughter Funds have collectively invested ₹1,335.77 crore into 128 startups. Notable outcomes include:
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23,600+ high-tech jobs created
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368 intellectual property assets developed or acquired
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37 startup exits by Daughter Funds
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₹173.88 crore in cumulative returns from exits and partial exits