IIT Madras Director, Professor V. Kamakoti, highlighted the government’s focus on aiding deep-tech startups in their growth journey. The government has broadened the startup definition to include deep technology firms as a distinct sub-category, strengthening the Startup India initiative to position the country as a global innovation hub. Kamakoti explained that deep-tech startups, which receive seed and angel funding, are nearing the TRL 9 stage, representing the highest level of technology maturity.
The new “Deep Tech Startup” sub-category targets entities engaged in cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough innovations. To accommodate the unique characteristics of deep technology enterprises, the eligibility criteria have been revised. The age limit for startups has been extended to 20 years from the date of incorporation, and the turnover limit raised to Rs 300 crore. Additionally, the turnover limit for startup recognition has been increased to Rs 200 crore to support enterprises at various business stages.
Furthermore, the eligibility for startup recognition now extends to cooperative entities to foster innovation-driven growth in agriculture, rural industries, and community-based enterprises. Multi-State Cooperative Societies under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and Cooperative Societies under state and Union Territory Cooperative Acts are now eligible for startup recognition, provided they meet other criteria.
