Govt Expands Startup Recognition, Raises Turnover Limits to ₹200 Cr

STARTUPSVC

Overview

The government has significantly broadened its startup recognition framework, doubling the general turnover limit to ₹200 crore and introducing a new 'deep tech' sub-category. This expansion aims to provide support for businesses across various growth stages and foster cutting-edge technological advancements, extending eligibility to cooperative societies.

New Delhi – The government unveiled an expanded framework for startup recognition on Thursday, a move designed to provide broader support for burgeoning enterprises. The general turnover threshold for recognized startups has been doubled from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore, significantly increasing the number of eligible firms and ensuring support across different business lifecycle stages.

Deep Tech Innovation Focus

A notable addition is a new sub-category for 'deep tech' startups. These ventures, focused on cutting-edge and breakthrough technologies, will benefit from extended eligibility criteria. The age limit from incorporation or registration has been pushed to 20 years, up from 10, with a higher turnover ceiling of ₹300 crore. This strategic adjustment aims to facilitate the flow of long-term capital into research-intensive sectors.

Cooperative Societies Included

Furthermore, the revised policy now includes cooperative societies as eligible entities. This inclusion is expected to drive innovation within agriculture, rural industries, and community-based enterprises, strengthening India’s position as a global hub for knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship. The government stated the updated framework seeks to create a more predictable and inclusive policy environment for founders as Startup India enters its second decade. India currently boasts the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over two lakh DPIIT-recognized startups identified as of December 2025.

Disclaimer:This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or trading advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Readers should consult a SEBI-registered advisor before making investment decisions, as markets involve risk and past performance does not guarantee future results. The publisher and authors accept no liability for any losses. Some content may be AI-generated and may contain errors; accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. Views expressed do not reflect the publication’s editorial stance.