India has relaxed a key eligibility condition for deep-tech startups under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme. The move removes the mandatory three-year existence requirement for recognition, aiming to help early-stage innovators access support faster and scale technologies sooner. The announcement was made during the 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR, which also saw the launch of new initiatives, agreements and policy measures linked to innovation, technology transfer and industrial research.
Key Policy Change
The central reform is the removal of the three-year operational condition for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under DSIR’s support framework.
- The change is meant to help promising startups at an earlier stage.
- It is expected to improve access to institutional support and incentives.
- The policy still retains evaluation based on technological maturity.
- It is designed to accelerate deep-tech growth before full market stabilisation.
Role of DSIR and Research Ecosystem
DSIR continues to act as a bridge between government, academia and industry. Its functions include recognition of in-house R&D units, SIROs and publicly funded research institutions. The department also supports technology transfer and fiscal incentives such as customs duty exemptions. The science leadership brought into light that industry participation is essential for meaningful research and commercialisation.
Launches and Agreements
Several initiatives were revealed during the Foundation Day event.
- 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.
MoUs and technology transfer agreements were also exchanged, including a skill satellite centre for rural women in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, and licensing agreements under the Common Research and Technology Development Hubs programme.
Broader Innovation Push
The reform aligns with India’s wider push for technology sovereignty, private-sector R&D and lab-to-market translation. The ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund was cited as a major enabler for mature startups, while other schemes remain available for early innovators. Women’s participation in DSIR schemes was also brought into light, with over 10,000 women beneficiaries and more than 55 women-led self-help groups currently supported.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026