Startup India programme widened to include deep-tech firms and cooperative societies

Key facts

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified revised norms expanding Startup India eligibility.
• General startups now recognised up to 10 years from incorporation with annual turnover not exceeding ₹200 crore.
• Deep-tech startups eligible for 20 years from incorporation with turnover cap raised to ₹300 crore.
• Multi-state and state-registered cooperative societies included as eligible entities under the framework.
• Entity formed by splitting or reconstruction of an existing business cannot qualify as a startup.
• Deep-tech startup must focus on new scientific or engineering knowledge, incur high R&D expenditure, and create significant novel intellectual property.
• Recognised startups gain access to government funding schemes, tax exemptions and regulatory relief.
• India has recognised more than 200,000 startups since Startup India launch in 2016.