Tamil Nadu Unveils New Deep-Tech Startup Policy

• Tamil Nadu has launched the policy with a ₹100 crore outlay to transform research into commercial deep-tech ventures
• The initiative shifts focus from traditional IT services to high-growth sectors
• Through StartupTN and Neo-Tidel Parks, the state is decentralizing tech growth

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin, at the Umagine TN summit, unveiled the Deep-Technology Startup Policy of Tamil Nadu, which is supported by a financial allocation of ₹100 crore.

The plan intends to connect academic research with the commercial market, and thus change the economy of the state from its traditional IT services to a tech, innovation, and high-value one.

Stalin stated, “Govt's policies to promote deep-tech, data centers and consistent investment into the research and development capabilities have changed Tamil Nadu from an IT service hub to a technology and innovation hub. Tamil Nadu is increasingly attracting advanced GCCs, R&D and AI centres of multinational companies”.

He pointed out to the competitive advantage of the state that is resulted from a good talent pool and vast knowledge in the areas of space-tech, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

Also Read: Indian Startups, Firms Expand Global Footprint at CES 2026

He added, “Vibrant startup environment and deep-tech incubators, along with GCCs, educational institutions, make Tamil Nadu a hotbed for innovation and intellectual property creation with one out of every four patents filed in the country is from the state. Talent availability in the state makes all of this possible, and that is the reason the govt's has distributed laptops to students with AI chatbot subscriptions. We do not see this as a freebie. This is an investment in the future”.

The policy intends to use cutting-edge technologies such as AI and automation that will eventually lead to the recognition of Tamil Nadu as a tech hub of the world.

In order to promote growth that is beneficial to all, the government is now making use of StartupTN, which is the policy of the decentralization of the industry, and the development of Neo-Tidel Parks in the smaller cities, which are tier-2 and tier-3.

This move is already reflecting a good impact, for, according to STPI data, tech activity is now flourishing in 32 of the state's 38 districts, which is taking the ecosystem far beyond Chennai. “The technology sector has now become a key pillar of the modern economy. The govt is looking at technology not just as an economic growth opportunity but also for social growth”, Stalin noted.