New Delhi, Jan. 5 -- In a policy shift aimed at accelerating India's deep-tech startup pipeline, the government has removed the mandatory three-year existence requirement for startups seeking recognition and financial support under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

The announcement was made by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, during the 41st Foundation Day of DSIR, signalling a sharper focus on enabling early-stage innovators who often struggle to access institutional funding.

The relaxation allows deep-tech startups to seek DSIR recognition and loan support without waiting to complete three years of operations, an eligibility criterion that previously f...