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Govt Expands Startup India to Boost Deep-Tech Firms, Says IIT Madras Director

The government has revised the Startup India programme, creating a new "Deep Tech Startup" sub-category for firms working on breakthrough technologies. IIT Madras Director Professor V. Kamakoti stated the government aims to support these startups as they progress towards high technology readiness levels like TRL 9. Eligibility criteria have been significantly expanded, with the age limit extended to 20 years and the turnover limit enhanced to Rs 300 crore for deep-tech enterprises. Furthermore, cooperative societies are now eligible for startup recognition to promote grassroots innovation in agriculture and rural industries.

Key Points: Govt Supports Deep-Tech Startups with New Rules: IIT Madras

  • New deep-tech startup sub-category created
  • Age limit extended from 10 to 20 years
  • Turnover limit raised to Rs 300 crore
  • Cooperative societies now eligible for recognition
  • Aims to build global innovation powerhouse
2 min read

Govt aims to support deep-tech startups as they grow: IIT Madras Director

IIT Madras Director explains govt's expanded Startup India guidelines for deep-tech firms, including longer age & higher turnover limits for recognition.

"Deep-tech startups... are almost ready to reach the next technology readiness level, which we call TRL 9 - Professor V. Kamakoti"

Chennai, Feb 6

IIT Madras Director, Professor V. Kamakoti, on Friday said the government essentially aims to support deep-tech startups as they grow in their journey.

His comment came as the government expanded the definition of startups to include deep technology firms as a separate sub-category as part of its revised guidelines to strengthen the Startup India programme, for developing the country as a global innovation powerhouse.

Speaking to IANS, Kamakoti said: "Deep-tech startups receive seed funding, angel funding, and develop certain prototypes. They are almost ready to reach the next technology readiness level, which we call TRL 9".

TRL 9 (Technology Readiness Level 9) represents the highest level of technology maturity, where a system is fully proven and qualified through successful operations, such as in space missions or full-scale commercial deployment.

The new sub-category of "Deep Tech Startup" has been introduced for entities working on cutting-edge and breakthrough technologies.

In recognition of the long gestation periods, high research and development intensity, and capital-intensive nature of deep technology enterprises, the eligibility criteria for this category have been expanded, with the age limit extended from 10 years to 20 years from the date of incorporation or registration, and the turnover limit enhanced to Rs 300 crore.

The revised criteria also include an increase in the turnover limit for recognition of a startup from the existing level of Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore, keeping in view the evolving startup ecosystem and the need to support enterprises at different stages of their business lifecycle, according to the government.

Besides, the startup recognition eligibility has been extended to cooperative entities to promote innovation-driven growth at the grassroots level in agriculture, allied sectors, rural industries and community-based enterprises.

Accordingly, Multi-State Cooperative Societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, as well as Cooperative Societies registered under state and Union Territory Cooperative Acts, are now eligible for startup recognition, subject to the fulfilment of other applicable criteria.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Including cooperatives is a game-changer for rural innovation. Farmers and local artisans can now get structured support. Hope the application process is simple and reaches the grassroots without middlemen.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but the real test is execution. We need to ensure funding actually reaches these deep-tech firms and isn't just on paper. Also, hope there's mentorship along with money. Building for TRL 9 is no joke!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in biotech, the extended timeline is a relief. Research here takes years before you even have a viable prototype. This policy shift shows the government is finally listening to scientists and engineers.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the intent, I'm cautiously optimistic. The challenge has never been just about definitions or limits, but about reducing bureaucratic red tape. Let's see if a deep-tech startup in Bhubaneswar faces the same ease as one in Bengaluru.
M
Michael C
Focus on deep-tech is crucial for moving up the global value chain. We can't just be a service economy forever. This, combined with the semiconductor push, could build a real tech manufacturing base. Jai Hind!

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