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Centre Exempts 3-Year Rule for Deep-Tech Startups in Major DSIR Reform

The Central government has announced a major relaxation for deep-tech startups by exempting the mandatory three-year existence condition for recognition under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research's (DSIR) promotion programme. Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated the move is designed to provide huge relief and early support to budding innovators, accelerating India's startup ecosystem. He explained that while financial assistance was previously linked to demonstrating sustainability through a three-year track record, that requirement has now been removed for deep-tech ventures. The Minister also launched four key initiatives and highlighted strong women participation in DSIR schemes during the organisation's Foundation Day event.

Key Points: Govt Relaxes DSIR Norms for Deep-Tech Startups

  • Exempts 3-year existence rule
  • Aims to accelerate startup ecosystem
  • Supports early-stage innovators
  • Part of broader R&D push
3 min read

Centre relaxes DSIR norms, exempts 3-year eligibility condition for deep-tech startups

Centre exempts 3-year eligibility condition for deep-tech startups under DSIR, aiming to accelerate innovation and provide early-stage support.

"The removal of the three-year existence requirement is a significant incentive to help deep-tech startups scale faster. - Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, January 6

The Central government has announced a major relaxation for deep-tech startups by exempting the mandatory three-year existence condition for recognition under DSIR's Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, said the move would provide a huge relief and early support to budding innovators and entrepreneurs in the deep-tech space.

The Minister said the relaxation is aimed at accelerating India's startup ecosystem and providing early momentum to beginners and early-stage deep-tech projects.

He noted that while the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund has generated unprecedented enthusiasm across the country, it is designed to support startups that have achieved a certain level of technological maturity.

"For early-stage innovators or startups, a wide basket of schemes already exists across departments such as DST, CSIR, TDB and others. The removal of the three-year existence requirement is a significant incentive to help deep-tech startups scale faster, even before they are fully on their own," the Minister said.

The minister also explained that CSIR had been extending financial assistance to startups earlier as well, including loans of varying amounts, in some cases up to Rs 1 crore, but these were linked to a mandatory condition of demonstrating sustainability through a minimum three-year existence.

"That requirement has now been done away with," he said, adding that appropriate evaluation standards linked to technological maturity will continue.

Congratulating the DSIR family on the Foundation Day, the Minister described the relationship between DSIR and CSIR as an "intergenerational symbiosis" that strengthens India's innovation ecosystem.

He also said India has moved beyond the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat and is now entering a phase where other nations are increasingly dependent on Indian capabilities.

Highlighting DSIR's four pillars, science, industry, R&D and technology transfer, the Minister underlined the importance of industry participation in meaningful research.

He also noted strong women participation, with over 10,000 women beneficiaries availing DSIR schemes, including more than 55 women-led self-help groups.

During the event, the Minister launched four key initiatives, including revised DSIR guidelines for recognition of in-house R&D centres of deep-tech startups, PRISM Network Platform - TOCIC Innovator Pulse, Creative India 2025 under the PRISM scheme, and the DSIR Disaster Management Plan.

Several MoUs and technology transfer agreements were also exchanged in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries from the science and innovation ecosystem.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great step for deep-tech! But the real test will be in the implementation. Will the evaluation process be transparent and fast? We don't want another scheme where paperwork takes months. Hope the 'technological maturity' criteria are clear and fair.
R
Rohit P
As someone working in a semiconductor startup, this news is a relief. The global race in deep-tech is intense. Early funding and recognition can make all the difference. Hope this attracts more young engineers to build in India, for the world.
S
Sarah B
The focus on women beneficiaries (10,000+) is very encouraging. Supporting women-led SHGs and startups in deep-tech can unlock massive potential. More power to them! 👏
V
Vikram M
"Intergenerational symbiosis" between DSIR and CSIR sounds good, but hope it translates to less bureaucracy for founders. Sometimes these old institutions move too slow for the startup pace. The proof will be in how quickly the first set of startups get approved under the new rules.
K
Karthik V
Good move, but let's not forget the basics. We also need better lab infrastructure, easier import of critical components for R&D, and policies that help retain talent. Funding is one piece of the puzzle.

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