In January 2026, Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin, Chief Minister(CM) of Tamil Nadu (TN), unveiled the Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 (TNDTSP). India’s first deep-tech startup policy at the 4th edition of Umagine TN held at the Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai, TN.
- The state earmarked Rs 100 crore to support 100 startups over five years, aiming to bridge the lab-to-market gap for high-risk, research-driven deep-tech ventures.
Exam Hints:
- What? Launch of India’s 1st Deep-Tech Policy
- Policy: Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy (2025–26)
- Launched by: MK Stalin, CM of Tamil Nadu
- Venue: 4th Umagine TN, Chennai
- Outlay & Tenure: Rs 100 crore (5 years; 100 startups)
- Nodal Agency: iTNT Hub
- Key Goals: 25% rise in patent filings; train 10,000+ in AI, biotech, robotics
- New Programme: Government as Early Adopter (Rs 25 crore/year across 5 depts)
- Other Launch: Namma Arasu WhatsApp e-governance
- Partners: TN Govt & Meta
- Languages: English and Tamil
- Initial Coverage: 50 services across 16 departments
About Deep-Tech Startup Policy:
Implementing Agency: The policy is developed by the Information Technology and Digital Services Department and implemented through the TN Technology (iTNT) Hub.
Key Targets: The policy targets a 25% rise in patent filings, 10 tech transfer/licensing deals, training 10,000+ professionals in Artificial Intelligenc(AI), biotech, and robotics, 10 research fellowships, and global market access for 50 startups.
Government Early Adopter Programme: The state will launch a Government as Early Adopter Programme with an annual outlay of Rs 25 crore, implemented across 5 departments.
Defines Deep-Tech Startups: Startups based on advanced science or engineering, early TRL stages, strong IP, and long gestation with market-creating potential.
Priority Sectors: Electronics & semiconductors, Electric Vehicles (EVs), healthcare & biotech, clean energy; also supports quantum computing, genomics, and photonics.
Launch of ‘Namma Arasu’:
The TN Government, in partnership with Meta, launched ‘Namma Arasu’, a WhatsApp-based e-governance service, making TN the 3rd Indian state after Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to adopt the platform.
- The multilingual chatbot (English & Tamil) enables services such as bus ticket booking, exam hall tickets, and tax payments.
- In the initial phase, it offers up to 50 services across 16 departments, including rural development, social welfare, agriculture, and Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments(HR&CE).
About Tamil Nadu (TN):
Capital- Chennai
Chief Minister (CM)- Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin
Governor- R.N.Ravi
National Parks (NPs)- Guindy NP, Mukurthi NP
