Tamil Nadu Launches India’s First Deeptech Startup Policy 2025–26

Tamil Nadu Introduces India’s First Dedicated Deeptech Startup Policy

Tamil Nadu has taken a pioneering step in India’s innovation landscape by rolling out the country’s first policy exclusively focused on deeptech startups. The Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 is designed to bridge the gap between advanced scientific research and real-world commercial applications, reinforcing Tamil Nadu ’s ambition to emerge as a national hub for frontier technologies.

Policy Vision and Financial Backing

The new policy commits an outlay of ₹100 crore to nurture around 100 deeptech startups over the policy period. It targets high-impact domains such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, space technologies, and clean energy. Beyond funding, the framework emphasises access to specialised infrastructure, mentorship, and industry collaboration—critical elements for deeptech ventures that typically face long development cycles and high capital requirements.

Launch at Umagine Technology Conference

The policy was formally unveiled by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin during the fourth edition of Umagine , held in Chennai. Umagine has evolved into Tamil Nadu’s flagship technology platform, bringing together global technology leaders, startups, investors, and policymakers, and showcasing the State’s push towards future-ready digital and science-driven industries.

Major MoUs and Investment Announcements

The conference also served as a stage for significant investment commitments. Several memoranda of understanding were signed between the State government and private firms. Notable announcements included Better Compute Works’ plan to establish a large AI data centre with an investment of ₹5,000 crore and the creation of 1,450 jobs; Eros GenAI’s expansion of its AI research and development centre involving ₹3,600 crore and 1,000 new jobs; and Phantom Digital Effects’ decision to scale up its visual effects operations in Chennai with a ₹100 crore investment generating 1,000 jobs.

Important Facts for Exams

• Tamil Nadu is the first Indian State to introduce a dedicated deeptech startup policy.

• The policy proposes ₹100 crore in funding support for 100 deeptech startups .

• Umagine is Tamil Nadu’s flagship technology conference.

• Deeptech startups are based on scientific and engineering breakthroughs and usually involve longer development timelines.

Startup Outreach and Global Exposure

Highlighting the outreach efforts, Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan noted 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 present their innovations at Umagine and will also gain international exposure by pitching to investors and ecosystem partners in Dubai, Singapore, and Sharjah, in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre.