New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) India has transcended the objective of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and is now embarking on a journey where global economies are increasingly leaning on the nation's capabilities, stated Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.

During the 42nd Foundation Day celebration of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Singh highlighted that India has shifted from being import-dependent to generating exports worth crores.

By citing advancements in vaccines, medical devices, and indigenous technologies, he pointed out the growing global acknowledgment of Indian science and technology. “We are not just self-reliant; we are becoming a source of reliance for others,” he emphasized.

Focusing on DSIR’s foundational pillars—science, industry, R&D, and technology transfer—the Minister asserted that significant research initiatives cannot thrive without industry as a vital partner.

He remarked that DSIR's responsibilities have expanded from mere certification to offering fiscal incentives like customs duty exemptions, making collaboration with government-supported R&D more appealing for industries, MSMEs, and startups.

Singh also introduced a crucial amendment, lifting the mandatory three-year operational requirement for deep-tech startups seeking recognition under the DSIR's Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme.

This initiative aims to boost India’s startup ecosystem by providing early-stage support to nascent projects as well as promising innovators and entrepreneurs.

“A diverse range of schemes already exists for early-stage innovators across departments like DST, CSIR, TDB, and more. The removal of the three-year operational condition serves as a significant motivator for deep-tech startups to scale rapidly, even before they are fully independent,” he stated.

This reform reflects the government's faith in Indian innovators and their sustainability.

The Minister explained that the CSIR has previously extended financial support to startups, offering loans up to Rs 1 crore. However, these were contingent upon demonstrating sustainability and viability through a minimum three-year existence.

“That stipulation has now been eliminated,” he continued, labeling this reform as a substantial incentive with a commendable intent to accelerate and maintain new deep-tech startups even before they are fully established while ensuring appropriate evaluation standards linked to technological maturity.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the significant involvement of women, noting that over 10,000 women beneficiaries are currently utilizing DSIR schemes, including more than 55 women-led Self-Help Groups, marking a positive and irreversible shift in India’s innovation culture.