DSIR relaxes three-year existence norm for deep-tech startups on its 42nd Foundation Day
On the 42nd Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on 4 January 2026, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that deep-tech startups no longer need three years of existence to be recognised under DSIR's Industrial R&D Promotion Programme.
Summary
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) marked its 42nd Foundation Day on 4 January 2026, when Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced a relaxation of the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under DSIR's Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme. Four new initiatives were launched, including the PRISM Network Platform â TOCIC Innovator Pulse and Creative India 2025 under the PRISM scheme, and MoUs were signed. Jitendra Singh said more than 10,000 women beneficiaries and over 55 women-led self-help groups get support from DSIR schemes.
Key facts
- Occasion
- 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR, 4 January 2026
- Announcement
- Three-year existence norm waived for deep-tech startups
- Programme
- Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme
- Launches
- Four initiatives incl. PRISM Network Platform â TOCIC Innovator Pulse; Creative India 2025
- Women
- 10,000+ women beneficiaries; 55+ women-led SHGs
Practice MCQs 3 questions
On DSIR's 42nd Foundation Day (January 2026), which condition was relaxed for deep-tech startups seeking DSIR recognition?
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Correct answer: B â Mandatory three-year existence
PIB (Science & Technology): Jitendra Singh announced relaxation of the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups under DSIR's Industrial R&D Promotion Programme.
Which foundation day did the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) celebrate on 4 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A â 42nd
PIB (Science & Technology): the event marked the 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR.
Consider the following statements about announcements at DSIR's 42nd Foundation Day (January 2026): 1. 'Creative India 2025' was launched under DSIR's PRISM scheme. 2. Over 55 women-led self-help groups get support from DSIR schemes. 3. The relaxation of the existence norm applies to all startups regardless of sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D â 1 and 2 only
PIB: Creative India 2025 was launched under PRISM and DSIR supports over 55 women-led SHGs. The relaxation is specifically for deep-tech startups, so statement 3 is wrong.