Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program removes 3-year viability norm for deep-tech startups

Exam-focused facts from the 2 January 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has removed the mandatory three-year viability criteria for deep-tech startups to access up to Rs 1 crore under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP).
Startups must still meet evaluation standards linked to technological maturity.
The change is intended to accelerate scaling of deep-tech startups and provide early momentum to innovators.