The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) operates the “Recognition of In-House R&D Units” scheme to grant official recognition and registration to in-house R&D units established by corporate companies. These units are expected to engage in innovative R&D activities related to the company’s core business—such as developing new technologies, design & engineering improvements, process or product enhancements, resource efficiency research, and pollution control. This is the sole government scheme designed to benchmark industrial R&D performance and enable companies to access various fiscal incentives and additional R&D funds from government agencies like DST, DBT, MoEF, and others.
Benefits
Recognized in-house R&D units become eligible for several fiscal incentives announced by the Government of India and for additional funding from various government departments and agencies. Recognition is a key requirement for accessing these benefits.
Eligibility
For Corporate Industries
- Company Registration:
The applicant must be a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or 2013. - Operational History:
The company should have completed at least three financial years post-formation and demonstrate a regular source of income for at least the past two years. - Business Nature:
The company must be engaged in manufacturing, production, or rendering technical services. Companies involved in contract research are eligible if they maintain independent R&D infrastructure. - Location:
R&D unit(s) must not be located in residential areas; they should operate on-premises with proper authorization from the relevant Central/State Government. - Infrastructure and Manpower:
Independent infrastructure for R&D (minimum area: 1000 sq. ft.) and adequate technically qualified manpower are required. - Operational Status:
At the time of application, the R&D unit(s) must be functional with well-defined, time-bound R&D programmes aimed at developing innovative products or technologies.
For Biotech Start-Ups
- Nature of Business:
The applicant should be a biotech start-up engaged in high-end research with potential for generating intellectual property (IP) and revenue. - R&D Infrastructure:
The start-up must have qualified R&D manpower and a basic minimum R&D infrastructure. - Focused Objectives:
A clear business model, focused research objectives based on innovative and advanced technologies, and documented collaborations (e.g., agreements, MOUs with Incubator Centres or Technology Parks) are required. - Funding Proposals:
Submission of a list of biotechnology-based project proposals approved or submitted for Government of India funding is necessary.
Other Recognition Criteria
- The company must articulate a long-term R&D policy, which should be prominently displayed in the R&D unit.
- R&D activities must be distinct from routine operations (like production and quality control) and conducted in a separate or clearly demarcated space.
- R&D units should maintain separate books of accounts with expenditures recorded as incurred, and R&D spending (capital and revenue) should be clearly reflected in the company’s Annual Report and Statement of Accounts.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Application Submission:
- Companies seeking recognition for their in-house R&D units must apply online via the DSIR website or portal.
- Cover Letter & Annexures:
- After successful online submission, a cover letter, a completely filled-in application form (signed by the Managing Director or a Director on the Board), and requisite annexures must be submitted in a single PDF attachment (less than 20 MB) to Dr. P.K. Dutta, Scientist ‘G’ and Head RDI, DSIR at pkdutta@nic.in.
- Hard Copies:
- Note that companies need not submit hard copies of the application.
- Technical Support:
- For software-related issues, contact dsirsupport@tekmindz.com or use the customer support option on the portal.
Documents Required
- E-Application:
A completed one-page e-application (generated by the system) signed by the MD/whole-time Director. - Corporate Presentation:
A walk-in CD containing a corporate presentation and details covering the R&D unit and its activities. - Annual Report:
The latest annual report of the company. - R&D Activity Note:
A note describing the R&D activities, highlighting ongoing and proposed projects and past achievements. - Write-Up:
A brief write-up on major past achievements, ongoing, and future projects. - Personnel Details:
Information on scientific personnel in the R&D unit, including qualifications and designations. - Infrastructure Details:
Details of available R&D infrastructure with installation dates and values of major facilities. - Layout Drawing:
A layout drawing showing the location of the R&D unit in relation to the production unit. - Memorandum & Articles:
A copy of the memorandum and Articles of Association (for newly formed companies).
Note: All attachments must be in PDF format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the scheme?
To grant recognition and registration to in-house R&D units established by corporate companies, thereby benchmarking industrial R&D and facilitating access to fiscal incentives and additional government funding. - What activities are supported?
The scheme supports the establishment of new R&D laboratories and the strengthening of existing ones, focusing on innovative research and technological development in alignment with the company’s business. - Which institutions are eligible?
Only those R&D units established by corporate companies, SIROs, and publicly funded research institutions (like universities, IITs, IISc, RECs, etc.) are eligible. - What are the benefits of recognition?
Recognized R&D units can access various fiscal incentives and additional funding from government departments and agencies where DSIR recognition is a prerequisite. - Is the scheme applicable for biotechnology start-ups?
Yes, biotech start-ups meeting the specified criteria are also eligible. - What is the infrastructure requirement?
The R&D unit must have independent, identifiable infrastructure (minimum area of 1000 sq. ft.) separate from routine operations. - How should the application be submitted?
Applications are submitted online via the DSIR portal, with additional documents sent as a single PDF attachment via email. - Is a hard copy required?
No, hard copies are not required. - To whom should the application be sent?
The completed application along with all annexures must be emailed to Dr. P.K. Dutta at pkdutta@nic.in.