The Centre on Sunday (January 4, 2026) relaxed norms for deep-tech start-ups to avail financial assistance from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The DSIR extends financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore to start-ups under the IRDPP only if they prove to be sustainable and viable for a minimum period of three years. Describing the move as an incentive to accelerate and sustain start-ups, Mr. Singh said, "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." However, the start-ups will have to maintain appropriate evaluation standards linked to technological maturity, the Minister said. "For early-stage innovators or start-ups, a wide basket of schemes already exists across departments such as DST, CSIR, TDB (Technology Development Board) and others,” Mr. Singh said.

Source: The Hindu January 05, 2026 11:36 UTC