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Summary:

The Indian government, through the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), has relaxed funding norms for deep-tech start-ups. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced the removal of the three-year viability criteria for these start-ups to access financial assistance up to ₹1 crore under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP). This move aims to boost early-stage development and help deep-tech companies scale faster, while still maintaining evaluation standards linked to technological maturity. The Minister also highlighted existing funding schemes for earlier stage start-ups.

News Article:

India Boosts Deep-Tech Start-Ups with Relaxed Funding Rules

New Delhi, January 5, 2026 – The Indian government is taking steps to fuel innovation in the deep-tech sector with new, relaxed funding norms. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced yesterday the elimination of the three-year viability requirement for deep-tech start-ups seeking financial assistance from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

The change, revealed during the 42nd Foundation Day celebration of the DSIR, will allow fledgling companies to access up to ₹1 crore under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP) without needing to demonstrate a three-year track record of sustainability.

“The removal of the three-year existence requirement is a significant incentive to help deep-tech start-ups scale faster, even before they are fully on their own,” stated Minister Singh. He emphasized that while the viability criteria has been dropped, start-ups will still be held accountable through rigorous evaluation standards tied to technological maturity.

The move is intended to provide much-needed early momentum to innovative projects and encourage entrepreneurs in the deep-tech space. Minister Singh also clarified that the existing ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund is designed to support start-ups that have already achieved a certain level of technological maturity. He pointed out that a wide range of schemes across various departments like DST, CSIR, and TDB remain available for earlier-stage innovators.

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