India Defines Deep Tech Startups, Extends Benefits to 20 Years

India's government has officially defined deep tech startups and extended their eligibility for benefits under the national startup framework, doubling the recognition period to 20 years and raising the turnover threshold to 300 crore rupees, or about $36 million. The changes, outlined in a gazette notification from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on February 5, 2026, aim to accommodate the extended development cycles of companies in sectors like space, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

Under the updated rules, deep tech startups are those focused on creating solutions based on advancements in scientific or engineering fields. These entities must allocate most of their funds to research and development, possess or develop significant novel intellectual property, and pursue commercialization. They typically face prolonged timelines, high capital and infrastructure demands, and substantial technical uncertainties. For certification, companies must apply to the DPIIT, which makes the final determination with input from an Inter-Ministerial Board including representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Biotechnology....