NewsCentre Relaxes Three-Year Viability Norms for Deep-Tech Startups Under DSIR Funding ProgramCentre Relaxes Three-Year Viability Norms for Deep-Tech Startups Under DSIR Funding Program
The Centre has relaxed funding norms for deep-tech startups under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, removing the three-year viability requirement for accessing up to ₹1 crore under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced this policy change during DSIR's 42nd foundation day, emphasizing it will help startups scale faster while maintaining technological maturity standards. The move complements the broader ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation fund and existing support schemes across multiple government departments.
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The Centre has announced a major policy relaxation for deep-tech startups seeking government funding, removing key barriers that previously limited access to financial assistance. The move is expected to accelerate innovation and provide crucial early-stage support to technology entrepreneurs across the country.
Policy Changes Under DSIR Funding Program
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced the removal of the three-year viability criteria for deep-tech startups during the 42nd foundation day celebrations of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). This significant policy shift affects the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP), which provides financial assistance to qualifying startups.
| Previous Requirement: | Details |
|---|---|
| Viability Period: | Minimum 3 years sustainability proof required |
| Funding Amount: | Up to ₹1.00 crore |
| Program: | Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP) |
| Implementing Agency: | Department of Scientific and Industrial Research |
Impact on Startup Ecosystem
Describing the move as an incentive to accelerate and sustain startups, Singh emphasized that the removal of the three-year existence requirement represents a significant boost for deep-tech startups. "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," the minister stated.
The policy change is designed to provide early momentum to projects and support promising innovators and entrepreneurs who previously faced barriers due to the sustainability requirements. However, startups will still need to maintain appropriate evaluation standards linked to technological maturity.
Broader Government Innovation Support Framework
The minister highlighted that while the ₹1.00 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund has generated unprecedented enthusiasm across the country, it specifically supports startups that have achieved certain technological maturity levels. For early-stage innovators and startups, Singh noted that comprehensive support schemes already exist across multiple departments.
| Supporting Departments: | Available Schemes |
|---|---|
| DST: | Department of Science and Technology programs |
| CSIR: | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research initiatives |
| TDB: | Technology Development Board schemes |
| Others: | Various departmental support programs |
Strategic Significance
This policy relaxation represents the government's commitment to fostering innovation at the earliest stages of startup development. By removing the three-year viability requirement while maintaining technological maturity standards, the DSIR aims to strike a balance between supporting promising innovations and ensuring responsible allocation of public funds. The move is expected to particularly benefit deep-tech startups working on cutting-edge technologies that require substantial development time before achieving commercial viability.
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