Tamil Nadu unveils India’s first deep tech start-up policy at UmagineTN 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has announced India’s first dedicated Deep Technology Policy to strengthen its innovation-led growth agenda.

Chief Minister MK Stalin released the Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-2026 (TNDTSP) at UmagineTN 2026. The policy aims to position the State as the country’s leading deep technology hub by fostering advanced innovation, stimulating industrial growth and strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, while creating a robust ecosystem for deep and emerging technologies to accelerate Tamil Nadu’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy.

The iTNT Center will serve as the nodal implementing agency of the TNDTSP. It will host a dedicated team that will coordinate all initiatives, manage funds and act as a single point of contact for stakeholders. “The policy sets clear priorities to build a globally competitive deep tech ecosystem through targeted initiatives that position Tamil Nadu as a preferred destination for deep tech entrepreneurship,” Information Technology and Digital Services Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said in the policy brief.

The aim of the policy is to support 100 deep tech start-ups and mobilize ₹100 crore of public and private investments, including venture capital and co-investments. Through this policy, the Government aims to conclude 10 technology transfer or licensing agreements from academic institutions and research and development (R&D) institutions for commercialization by industry or start-ups, facilitating a 25% growth in annual patent applications by deep-tech start-ups.

More than 10,000 students and professionals will be trained in deep technology skills (artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, etc.) through specialized skills programs and 10 research scholarships will be awarded. The policy is open to deep tech start-ups, including early-stage or growth-stage startups registered in Tamil Nadu, building on new scientific/technological discoveries, owning or developing proprietary intellectual property rights, and targeting large unmet market needs with high growth potential.

It is also open to universities and technical institutes engaging in deep technology R&D, technology transfer or commercialization partnerships (for example, by spinning off start-ups or collaborating on product development). Established companies, corporate R&D labs, global talent centers and industry consortia that invest in or partner with deep tech start-ups through joint innovation projects, corporate venture capital or piloting new technologies can be part of this journey.

To qualify for financial support under the policy, the company, start-up or organization must have a registered office in Tamil Nadu or an operational presence such as a back office, R&D facility or any active business activity in Tamil Nadu. The organization must employ at least 25% of its total workforce (excluding contract employees) in Tamil Nadu.