Deep-tech startups no longer need to wait 3 years for DSIR recognition: GoI

The government has scrapped the mandatory three-year existence requirement for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), a move aimed at widening access to support for early-stage innovators.

The decision was announced on Sunday during DSIR’s 42nd Foundation Day, the Ministry of Science and Technology said. The relaxation applies to recognition under DSIR’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said the change would enable younger deep-tech startups to scale faster by accessing government-backed recognition and support earlier in their lifecycle.

Singh said the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund is intended for startups that have reached a certain level of technological maturity. However, removing the three-year eligibility condition under DSIR would help bridge gaps for early-stage companies developing advanced technologies.

“For early-stage innovators or startups, a wide basket of schemes already exists across departments such as the Department of Science and Technology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Technology Development Board,” Singh said. “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.”

Until now, startups seeking DSIR recognition or assistance through affiliated programmes were required to demonstrate operational sustainability by completing at least three years of existence. Singh noted that while CSIR offers financial assistance to startups, including loans, these were earlier linked to the same mandatory timeline.

The government’s move comes amid growing policy focus on deep-tech sectors such as biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and space technology, where long gestation periods often delay revenue generation but require early research support.

Singh also highlighted rising participation by women in science-led entrepreneurship. He said more than 10,000 women beneficiaries are currently availing DSIR schemes, including over 55 women-led self-help groups.

Placing the decision in a broader context, the minister said India had moved beyond the objective of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and was entering a phase where other countries increasingly rely on Indian capabilities. He cited vaccines, medical devices and indigenous technologies as areas where India has shifted from import dependence to exports worth several crores.

The relaxation of eligibility norms is expected to increase the pipeline of deep-tech startups qualifying for DSIR recognition, potentially accelerating research-led innovation and commercialisation in the years ahead.