Government Removes Mandatory 3-Year Existence Norm for Deep-Tech Startups to Get DSIR Recognition, Aims to Boost Early Innovation
a major policy push to accelerate India’s deep-tech ecosystem, the government on Sunday scrapped the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
New Delhi, January 4: In a major policy push to accelerate India’s deep-tech ecosystem, the government on Sunday scrapped the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
Announcing the decision on the 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh said the move would significantly benefit young and early-stage deep-tech companies. He noted that while the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund is aimed at startups that have achieved a certain level of technological maturity, removing the three-year requirement will open new opportunities for innovators at a much earlier stage. Government’s WaveX Startup Accelerator Launches 7 New Incubators To Support Gaming, Visual Effects, XR and Comics Startups in India.
Singh highlighted that early-stage startups already have access to a wide range of support schemes across departments such as the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Technology Development Board (TDB) and others. However, the earlier three-year existence condition often acted as a barrier for promising deep-tech ventures looking to scale rapidly. Startup Mahakumbh 2025: Government E-Marketplace Showcases Role in Boosting Startups and Driving Innovation.
The minister also pointed out that CSIR provides financial assistance, including loans, to startups, but these were previously linked to demonstrating sustainability and viability through a minimum three-year operational track record. The relaxation, he said, will help startups grow faster even before they become fully self-sustaining.
On women’s participation, Singh said more than 10,000 women beneficiaries are currently availing DSIR schemes, including over 55 women-led self-help groups, reflecting growing inclusivity in India’s science and technology landscape.
Emphasising India’s global standing, the minister said the country has moved beyond the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and is now entering a phase where other nations increasingly depend on Indian capabilities. Citing achievements in vaccines, medical devices and indigenous technologies, he added that India has shifted from import dependence to exports worth several crores, underscoring global confidence in Indian science and innovation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2026 11:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).