Government Removes 3-Year Eligibility Rule for Deep-Tech Startups Under DSIR Programme
In a significant boost to India’s innovation ecosystem, the Union Government has removed the mandatory three-year existence requirement for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion (IRDP) programme . The reform is aimed at enabling early-stage deep-tech firms to access institutional support sooner and scale faster in high-risk, research-intensive domains.
Reform Announced at DSIR Foundation Day
The announcement was made during the 41st Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in New Delhi. Addressing the event, Jitendra Singh , Union Minister for Science and Technology, stated that removing the eligibility condition reflects the government’s confidence in Indian innovators and recognition of the unique challenges faced by deep-tech ventures.
He emphasised that innovation timelines in deep-tech sectors do not align with conventional business maturity norms, making early support critical.
Boost for Early-Stage Deep-Tech Innovation
Deep-tech startups typically involve high R&D intensity, long gestation periods, and significant capital investment before commercial viability is achieved. By allowing recognition under DSIR at an earlier stage, startups can now benefit from credibility, incentives, infrastructure access, and collaboration opportunities without waiting for three years of existence.
The reform is expected to reduce entry barriers , strengthen India’s innovation pipeline, and accelerate the commercialisation of breakthrough technologies across strategic sectors.
Aligned with Broader Structural Reforms
The Minister highlighted that this decision is part of wider structural reforms undertaken under the leadership of Narendra Modi , including the opening up of the space and nuclear sectors to private participation. These reforms collectively aim to prepare India’s ecosystem for emerging and strategic technologies , reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing India’s global technological standing.
New Initiatives to Strengthen R&D Ecosystem
On the occasion, several initiatives were unveiled to deepen India’s R&D and innovation framework. These include new Guidelines for Recognition of In-House R&D Centres , Centres of Deep-Tech Startups , the PRISM Network Platform – TOCIC Innovator Pulse , and Creative India 2025 under the PRISM scheme. Together, these measures seek to enhance industry–academia collaboration , promote indigenous research, and position India as a trusted global innovation partner .
Important Facts for Exams 📌
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DSIR functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology
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Mandatory three-year existence rule for deep-tech startups has been removed
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IRDP promotes industrial R&D and innovation
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Reform supports early-stage deep-tech commercialisation
Month: Current Affairs - January 06, 2026
Category: Industry-Academia Collaboration in India