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

The Government of India has eased eligibility rules for deep-tech startups by removing the mandatory three-year existence requirement for recognition under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (DSIR) Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme. The change is intended to give early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs faster access to support, helping them move from concept to commercialization more quickly.

Announcing the relaxation, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology said the decision will accelerate India’s startup ecosystem, particularly for deep-tech ventures that need time- and capital-intensive research before reaching market readiness. The move recognises that early-stage projects often cannot demonstrate a multi-year track record despite having strong technological promise.

What has changed

• The previous requirement that startups must have been in existence for at least three years to receive recognition under DSIR’s Industrial R&D Promotion Programme has been removed for deep-tech startups.
• While formal age criteria are relaxed, evaluation will continue to focus on technological maturity and the strength of R&D plans.

Why it matters for deep-tech

Deep-tech ventures typically operate on longer development cycles and face higher technical risks. Access to early recognition and support can be pivotal for building prototypes, securing talent, and attracting follow-on funding. By lifting the three-year condition, the government aims to help such startups scale faster and bridge the gap between lab-stage innovation and market deployment.

Complementing other funding avenues

The announcement sits alongside the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, which is geared toward startups that have reached a certain level of technological maturity. For more nascent efforts, a range of schemes across departments—such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Technology Development Board (TDB)—already offer early-stage support. The revised DSIR norm ensures these avenues are better aligned with the needs of young deep-tech companies.

Historically, CSIR has provided financial assistance to startups, including loans that in some cases reached up to Rs 1 crore. Those benefits were linked to demonstrating sustainability through a minimum three-year operating history. With the new decision, the existence requirement is removed, making room for assessment criteria centered on technology readiness and innovation potential.

Strengthening the innovation ecosystem

The announcement coincided with DSIR’s Foundation Day, where the long-standing partnership between DSIR and CSIR was highlighted as a key driver of India’s innovation landscape. The emphasis remained on DSIR’s four pillars—science, industry, R&D, and technology transfer—with a call for deeper industry participation to ensure research translates into real-world impact.

The government also underscored growing participation by women in the innovation economy, noting more than 10,000 women beneficiaries under DSIR schemes and over 55 women-led self-help groups receiving support.

New initiatives launched

To further energize the ecosystem, four initiatives were unveiled:

• 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
• DSIR Disaster Management Plan

In addition, several memoranda of understanding and technology transfer agreements were exchanged in the presence of senior officials and stakeholders from India’s science and innovation ecosystem. These collaborations are expected to streamline technology transfer pathways, promote co-development, and support commercialization efforts across sectors.

Outlook

By aligning recognition criteria with the realities of deep-tech development, the government aims to nurture early-stage R&D, de-risk innovation, and strengthen India’s position in critical technologies. The policy shift complements larger national efforts to promote self-reliance, while also positioning India as an increasingly indispensable partner in global technology value chains.

With clearer, more flexible entry points for young ventures—and continued emphasis on industry engagement, inclusivity, and technology transfer—the revised DSIR norms are poised to provide timely momentum to the country’s next wave of deep-tech innovators.