DSIR Reforms Deep-Tech Startup Norms, Drops 3-Year Condition

India Boosts Deep-Tech Ecosystem: DSIR Recognition Now Open to Early-Stage Startups

Marking the 42nd Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) , the Union government announced a significant reform aimed at accelerating India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh declared the removal of the mandatory three-year operational existence requirement for startups seeking recognition under DSIR’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion (IRDP) programme.

Key Reform to Support Early-Stage Innovators

With this relaxation, deep-tech startups can now access DSIR recognition and associated benefits at a much earlier stage. The reform is designed to provide early momentum to first-generation entrepreneurs and innovation-led ventures that often struggle during their initial years. Dr. Singh said the move reflects the government’s growing confidence in India’s startup ecosystem and will help promising technologies scale faster, while still being assessed on parameters such as technological maturity and innovation potential.

Complementing the ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund

The minister clarified that the recently announced Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund is primarily targeted at startups and enterprises that have achieved a certain level of technological readiness. Early-stage innovators, meanwhile, are supported through existing schemes of agencies like the Department of Science and Technology , Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Development Board . Removing the three-year condition ensures that young deep-tech firms are not held back from accessing institutional support.

DSIR–CSIR Synergy and Global Shift

Highlighting the close institutional linkage between DSIR and CSIR, Dr. Singh described their relationship as an “intergenerational symbiosis” that enables technology transfer, industry collaboration and interdisciplinary research. He noted that India is increasingly emerging as a global technology provider, citing advances in vaccines, medical devices and indigenous innovations.

New Initiatives and Strategic Focus

The Foundation Day event also witnessed the launch of four initiatives, including new DSIR guidelines for deep-tech startups, the PRISM Network Platform–TOCIC Innovator Pulse, Creative India 2025 and the DSIR Disaster Management Plan. Several MoUs were exchanged, including technology transfer agreements and a women-focused skill satellite centre in Chhattisgarh, underscoring the push to take innovations from laboratories to markets.

Important Facts for Exams

• DSIR functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology

• Three-year existence condition removed for deep-tech startup recognition

• Rs1 lakh crore RDI Fund supports advanced-stage innovation

• DSIR promotes industry–R&D collaboration and technology transfer