Tamil Nadu Launches India’s First Deeptech Startup Policy

Tamil Nadu has unveiled India’s first dedicated deeptech startup policy, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s advanced technology innovation ecosystem. The Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 aims to convert cutting-edge research into scalable commercial solutions, positioning the State as a national hub for deep science and frontier technologies.

Policy Vision and Financial Commitment

The Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 has earmarked ₹100 crore in investments to support 100 deeptech startups. The policy focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, space technologies, and clean energy. It seeks to provide structured support through funding access, infrastructure, mentorship, and industry partnerships to help innovators move from laboratories to markets.

Launch at Umagine Technology Conference

The policy was unveiled by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at the fourth edition of Umagine, Tamil Nadu’s flagship technology conference held in Chennai. Umagine serves as a platform to bring together global technology companies, startups, investors, and policymakers, reinforcing the State’s ambition to become a preferred destination for future-ready technologies.

Major MoUs and Investment Announcements

The event witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the State government and private sector companies. Key announcements included Better Compute Works setting up an AI data centre with an investment of ₹5,000 crore and generating 1,450 jobs, Eros GenAI expanding its AI research and development centre with ₹3,600 crore and 1,000 new jobs, and Phantom Digital Effects scaling up its visual effects operations in Chennai with a ₹100 crore investment creating 1,000 jobs.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Tamil Nadu is the first Indian State to launch a dedicated deeptech startup policy.
• The policy targets support for 100 startups with ₹100 crore funding.
• Umagine is Tamil Nadu’s flagship technology conference.
• Deeptech focuses on science-based innovations with long development cycles.

Startup Outreach and Global Exposure

Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan stated that the government conducted workshops and technology lectures across 60 educational institutions in 23 districts under the Umagine DX initiative. Through StartupTN, 40 startups were selected to showcase their innovations at Umagine and will also pitch to venture capitalists and ecosystem enablers in Dubai, Singapore, and Sharjah, in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre.