The government announced a major relaxation for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), waiving the mandatory three-year existence requirement. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh during the 42nd Foundation Day celebrations of DSIR, under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The reform is aimed at accelerating India’s startup and innovation ecosystem by providing early support to first-time entrepreneurs and promising innovators. Dr. Singh said the move would help deep-tech startups scale faster, even before they become fully established. Referring to the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, he noted that while the fund supports startups that have attained technological maturity, early-stage innovators are backed through multiple schemes of departments such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), CSIR and the Technology Development Board (TDB).

“For early-stage innovators or Startups, a wide basket of schemes already exists… The removal of the three-year existence requirement is a significant incentive,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, adding that the decision reflects the government’s confidence in India’s innovators and their long-term sustainability.

He explained that although CSIR had been extending financial assistance, including loans of up to ₹1 crore, these were earlier linked to a minimum three-year existence to demonstrate viability. “That requirement has now been done away with,” the Minister said, while clarifying that evaluation standards linked to technological maturity would continue.

Congratulating the DSIR fraternity, Dr. Singh described the relationship between DSIR and CSIR as an “intergenerational symbiosis”, highlighting their complementary roles in technology transfer, industry partnerships and innovation facilitation. He said India has moved beyond the phase of Atmanirbhar Bharat and is now emerging as a country on which others increasingly rely for vaccines, medical devices and indigenous technologies.

Highlighting DSIR’s four pillars—science, industry, R&D and technology transfer—the Minister said industry participation is essential for sustainable research. He also noted the growing role of women in innovation, with over 10,000 women beneficiaries, including more than 55 women-led self-help groups, under DSIR-supported schemes.

News source: PIB