startup news

The central government has announced a major policy relief for deep-tech startups by removing the mandatory three-year existence requirement to obtain recognition under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion (IRDP) Programme. Speaking at the 41st Foundation Day of DSIR in New Delhi, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said the decision is aimed at enabling deep-tech startups to scale faster at early stages, even before they achieve operational maturity. He noted that the move signals the government’s growing trust in India’s innovation ecosystem and its confidence in the long-term sustainability and intent of homegrown innovators. The Minister emphasised that the reform aligns with several transformational steps taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including opening up the nuclear and space sectors to private participation. To support innovation in these emerging domains, he said the government will further accelerate policy and institutional initiatives. Dr Singh also highlighted that India is steadily advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, while simultaneously positioning itself as a reliable global innovation and technology partner for other nations. During the event, the Minister unveiled a series of initiatives to strengthen India’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem. These included the release of Guidelines for Recognition of In-House R&D Units, the recognition framework for Centres of Deep-Tech Startups, the launch of the PRISM Network Platform – TOCIC Innovator Pulse, and Creative India 2025 under the PRISM scheme. Source: newsonair