Major Announcement for Deep-Tech Startups: No 3-Year Condition

Financial Aid for Deep-Tech Startups Announced

On January 4, 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, from the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T), made a significant announcement regarding deep-tech startups. The requirement for startups to have a mandatory three-year existence to qualify for financial assistance has been removed. This financial assistance can reach up to Rs 1 crore under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP).

Key Details of the Announcement

The announcement was made during the 42nd Foundation Day celebrations of DSIR. This program aims to bolster innovation and support deep-tech startups in India.

• Announcement of Removal: The three-year existence condition has been eliminated for deep-tech startups seeking funding.
• Maximum Financial Assistance: Eligible startups can now receive up to Rs 1 crore.
• Launch of New Initiatives: Four new initiatives were introduced to enhance support for innovation:
  • DSIR guidelines for the recognition of In-House R&D Centres for deep-tech startups.
  • PRISM Network Platform - TOCIC Innovator Pulse to promote innovation.
  • Creative India 2025 initiative under the PRISM scheme to support entrepreneurship.
  • DSIR Disaster Management Plan to improve preparedness for challenges.

Collaboration and MoUs

During the event, several important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including:

• An MoU with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur to establish a Skill Satellite Centre in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. This initiative aims to promote technology-driven skill development and enhance livelihood opportunities for rural women.
• Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements under the Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDH) Programme, supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI), Pilani, to strengthen MSME-focused R&D infrastructure across India.

Event Highlights

The 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR was attended by key dignitaries, including:

• Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of DSIR
• Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India
• S.C.L. Das, Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME)

During his speech, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the significant participation of women in various DSIR schemes, emphasizing that over 10,000 women currently benefit from these initiatives, which include more than 55 women self-help groups (SHGs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What changes were announced for deep-tech startups?
Answer: The mandatory three-year existence requirement for deep-tech startups to receive financial assistance has been removed, allowing them to access up to Rs 1 crore in funding.

Q2. Who announced the removal of the three-year condition?
Answer: The announcement was made by Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh during the 42nd Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

Q3. What are the new initiatives launched by DSIR?
Answer: Four initiatives include guidelines for In-House R&D Centres, the PRISM Network Platform, Creative India 2025, and a Disaster Management Plan.

Q4. How does the new Skill Satellite Centre support women?
Answer: The Skill Satellite Centre aims to promote technology-driven skill development and enhance livelihood opportunities specifically for rural women.

Q5. What is the focus of the ToT agreements signed during the event?
Answer: The ToT agreements aim to strengthen R&D infrastructure for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through enhanced technological support.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Who is the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology?
A) Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
B) Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood
C) Dr. Jitendra Singh
D) S.C.L. Das
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: What is the maximum financial assistance for deep-tech startups?
A) Rs 50 lakh
B) Rs 1 crore
C) Rs 2 crore
D) Rs 5 crore
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What initiative promotes entrepreneurship in India?
A) Skill Development Programme
B) Creative India 2025
C) PRISM Network
D) Technology Development Programme
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is the purpose of the DSIR Disaster Management Plan?
A) Promote R&D in disaster recovery
B) Improve preparedness and resilience
C) Fund disaster management projects
D) Train individuals in emergency response
Correct Answer: B