IIT Madras Launches Innovation-TN to Boost Tamil Nadu Start-up

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, in collaboration with Guidance Tamil Nadu, has launched Innovation-TN, a state-level dashboard designed to highlight Tamil Nadu’s start-up and innovation ecosystem. The initiative aims to connect stakeholders, including investors, industries, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs, with the state’s growing innovation potential.

What is Innovation-TN?

Innovation-TN has been conceptualised by the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST), an Institute of Eminence Research Centre at IIT Madras, along with YNOS Venture Engine, an IIT Madras-incubated start-up. The platform leverages CREST’s advanced start-up and investor tools, which are widely regarded as among the most comprehensive in India. The dashboard is positioned as a one-stop resource, showcasing the state’s entrepreneurial strengths, sectoral opportunities, and emerging ventures. It will also provide valuable insights for corporates, policymakers, and investors looking to collaborate with start-ups.

Leaders’ Remarks on Innovation-TN Launch

At the launch event, Thiru T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “The launch of the Tamil Nadu Innovation Platform marks a pivotal step in our journey towards promoting innovation and strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem. It reflects our government’s vision to position Tamil Nadu as the national leader in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and inclusive economic growth.”

Adding to this, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, noted that the dashboard will help policymakers understand sectoral strengths at the district level and design targeted policies. He also highlighted that the initiative will attract investments from the global Tamil diaspora and institutional investors.

Prof. A. Thillai Rajan, Head of CREST, IIT Madras, explained that the dashboard will enable entrepreneurs to identify the most relevant incubators, investors, and banks, improving efficiency and chances of success.

Dr. Darez Ahamed, MD & CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu, added that the platform will act as a catalyst for collaboration between industries, start-ups, R&D institutions, and academia, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

Key Benefits of Innovation-TN

The dashboard is designed to:

• Provide start-ups quick access to incubators, investors, and funding institutions.
• Highlight sectoral strengths across Tamil Nadu’s districts.
• Offer corporates a reliable platform to identify start-up partners for innovation.
• Support policymakers with data-driven insights for regional development.