DSIR Drops Three-Year Rule For Deep-Tech Startups, Boosting Early-Stage Innovation

New Delhi, Jan 5 (KNN) The government has scrapped the mandatory three-year existence requirement for deep-tech startups to avail recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

Boost for Early-Stage Innovators

Marking DSIR’s 42nd Foundation Day, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund supports startups that have reached a certain technological maturity, and the new relaxation will further boost opportunities for young deep-tech companies, reported financial daily Business Standard. 

“For early-stage innovators or startups, a wide basket of schemes already exists across departments such as the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Technology Development Board (TDB) and others” the paper quoted the Minister as saying. 

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,” he added.

The minister also noted that though CSIR extends financial assistance to startups, including loans of varying amounts, these were earlier subject to a mandatory condition of demonstrating sustainability and viability through a minimum three-year existence.

Speaking on the participation of women, Singh said that over 10,000 women beneficiaries are currently availing DSIR schemes, including more than 55 women-led self-help groups.

India’s Global Technological Transition

Overall, the minister noted that India has moved beyond the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and is entering a phase where other nations are increasingly dependent on the country’s capabilities. 

Citing examples from vaccines, medical devices, and indigenous technologies, he added that India has transitioned from import dependence to exports worth several crores, reflecting the growing global acceptance of Indian science and technology.

(KNN Bureau)