Centre relaxes norms for start-ups to get funds from DSIR, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has relaxed norms for deep-tech start-ups seeking funds from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
• Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced the removal of the three-year viability criteria.
• Deep-tech start-ups can now receive financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP).

Detailed Insights:

• The previous requirement mandated that start-ups demonstrate sustainability and viability for a minimum of three years to receive IRDPP funding.
• This relaxation aims to accelerate the growth of deep-tech start-ups, enabling them to scale up operations more rapidly.
• Start-ups will still be required to maintain evaluation standards linked to technological maturity to ensure responsible use of funds.
• The IRDPP scheme supports start-ups involved in industrial research and development, fostering innovation and technological advancement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Deep-tech Start-ups: Companies focused on innovative technologies with high research and development intensity.
• Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP): A DSIR initiative providing financial support to start-ups for research and development activities.
• Technological Maturity: The level of readiness and advancement of a technology, often assessed through specific metrics and standards.