India is climbing up the ladder of technological growth and development. On the 4th of January, the government of India celebrated the DSIR foundation day 42nd celebration. The Department of Science and Research (DSIR) comes under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). On this auspicious occasion, the government also announced several new announcements, one of which is that the DSIR announces relaxation for deep tech startups, which will help them in applying for R&D startups government recognition.
The celebration was led by the Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Space and Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who made most of the announcements. These new announcements will contribute greatly to the growth and development of the deep tech startups India and make a growth-oriented ecosystem for young innovators who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journeys.
Read the article to learn more about the new startup India deep tech policy, ranging from the working of DSIR and key changes to eligibility for DSIR recognition deep tech startups, including answers to popular questions like, ‘How to get DSIR recognition for startups?’.
Overview
The table below summarises some key details about the government support for deep tech startups that one should know.
| Event | DSIR foundation day 42nd celebration |
|---|
| Full form of DSIR | Department of Science and Research |
| Under the Ministry of | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Date of the event | 4th of January, 2026 |
| Important announcements | Removal of the three-year condition for deep tech startups India |
| Target beneficiaries | Deep tech startups India |
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What Is DSIR?
The Department of Science and Research (DSIR) is a government department that operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and primarily works on promoting and nurturing research and development in industries and new startups. This department is extremely crucial and necessary, as it oversees and provides its support to the Research and Development (R&D) units in various industries. It is the only department that connects government-backed R&D units with various industries and startups.
Major Announcement Concerning DSIR Recognition For Deep Tech Startups In India
For years, all the deep-tech startups that were interested in applying for DSIR recognition and support could only do so after three years of continued existence and operations. This rule was mandated to ensure that only mature and a bit old startups can apply for government support; however, this rule also made it quite difficult for young startups and innovators to take the government’s help in making their projects viable.
But this has finally been changed on the occasion of the DSIR foundation day 42nd celebration, as the government relaxes DSIR norms for startups. The specifics of the new revised innovation policy India are as follows:
- Startups are no longer required to complete at least 3 years of continued existence to apply for DSIR recognition for deep tech startups in India.
- Please note that this change does not bring any changes to other schemes run by various govt departments for early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs, like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Technology Development Board.
Also Read: Top 10 Government Schemes For Entrepreneurs & Startups In India In 2026
4 Key Initiatives Launched On DSIR Occasion
On the occasion of the DSIR foundation day 42nd celebration, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced 4 key initiatives. All four of them are described below in detail for one’s reference:
1. Government Relaxes DSIR Norms For Startups
The government has removed the three-year mandate that was imposed on deep-tech startups before applying for DSIR recognition and support. Now, young startups and early-stage innovators can also apply for DSIR recognition for deep tech startups in India and reap the benefits of the support.
2. PRISM Network Platform
The government announced the launch of the PRISM Network Platform - TOCIC Innovator Pulse, which is designed to strengthen innovation pipelines by providing support in various forms to entrepreneurs and innovators.
3. Creative India 2025
Creative India 2025 is an initiative under the PRISM platform, which aims to promote innovation-led entrepreneurship by fostering creative thinking.
4. DSIR Disaster Management Plan
The DSIR Disaster Management Plan ensures that the department has set protocols to deal with emergencies.
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Other Announcements Made At The Event
There were several other announcements made by the Union Minister at the event. A brief on all those initiatives is mentioned below for one’s better understanding:
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The Technology Department and Utilisation Programme for Women (TDUPW) will establish a Skill Satellite Centre in the region of Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, in partnership with NIT, Raipur. This is being done to promote tech-led employment opportunities for women.
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Technology transfer agreements were signed under the Common Research and Technology Development Hubs for more and more innovation.
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The Union Minister also highlighted the fact that DSIR schemes have supported over 10,000 women beneficiaries and more than 55 women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs). This represents the inclusive and holistic interest and goal of the government to ensure that the number of successful women entrepreneurs keeps on increasing.
The Union Minister of State (Independent charge) also highlighted that the government is not only focused on making an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (independent India) but on moving to a stage where other countries depend on India, particularly Indian technologies.
Conclusion
The government of India announced and introduced several changes, reforms, and new additions on the occasion of the DSIR foundation day 42nd celebration. All the changes or new additions might be different, but they all share the same aim, and that is to contribute to the nation’s overall growth and development by focusing on the individual sectors’ and people’s growth. India is not only shifting and adopting technological measures and interventions, but also creating new and innovative technologies, which will help the nation greatly in moving from the status of a developing country to a developed country.
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