Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)

At the 42nd Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced Relaxation of DSIR Funding Norms for Deep-Tech Start-ups.

• DSIR provides financial assistance under Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP) to promote industrial research and development.

About Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)

• Establishment:
  • It was created through a Presidential Notification dated 4 January 1985, under the 164th Amendment of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
  • The department is mandated to promote indigenous technology development, utilisation, and transfer.
• Nodal Ministry: DSIR functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Core Mandate and Objectives:
  • Promote industrial research and development (R&D) across sectors.
  • Support small and medium industrial units (SMEs/MSMEs) in developing globally competitive technologies.
  • Act as a bridge between scientific laboratories and industry through:
    • National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for technology transfer
    • Central Electronics Limited (CEL) for facilitating R&D investments.

About Industrial R&D Promotion Programme (IRDPP)

• Objectives: 
  • Promote a stronger focus on in-house Research & Development (R&D)
  • Strengthen R&D infrastructure in industry and Scientific & Industrial Research Organisations (SIROs)
  • Encourage industry-led and SIRO-led R&D initiatives
  • Align the work of in-house R&D centres and SIROs with national technological and industrial development goals
• Programme Type: Research and Development (R&D)
• Focus Areas: Engineering, Environmental, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences
• Funding Agency: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Applicant must be a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or 2013
  • Minimum three financial years completed since incorporation
  • Must have a regular source of income for at least the last two years
  • Companies seeking RDI recognition should be engaged in manufacturing, production, or technical services
  • R&D units must be located in authorised non-residential premises
  • Availability of independent R&D infrastructure and qualified technical manpower
  • R&D unit must be functional at the time of application
  • Presence of clearly defined, time-bound R&D programmes aimed at developing innovative products or technologies

Policy Changes Announced

• Removal of Viability: The three-year minimum viability/existence criterion has been removed for deep-tech start-ups seeking funding under DSIR.
• Funding Limit: Eligible start-ups can now avail financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore.
• Safeguards and Evaluation Standards
• • Technology Maturity Assessment: Start-ups must still meet appropriate evaluation standards linked to technological maturity.
  • Quality Control: The funding relaxation does not dilute scrutiny but shifts focus from age-based criteria to technology readiness and innovation potential.

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Rationale Behind the Reform

• Early-Stage Support: The removal of the three-year requirement is intended to give early momentum to innovative projects and entrepreneurs.
• Scaling Innovation: The reform enables start-ups to scale faster, even before becoming financially self-sustaining.
• Encouraging Deep-Tech: Deep-tech sectors often involve long R&D cycles, making early financial support crucial

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