Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan Brainstorms with Industry Leaders to Nurture Startup Innovation in Emerging & Deep Tech Sectors
Chennai : Tamil Nadu Technology Hub functioning under the Information Technology & Digital Services (IT&DS) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, hosted the iTNT Industry Conclave in Chennai on Friday (September 6). Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan was the chief guest of the conclave that highlighted the role of Corporates in nurturing innovation in the Emerging & Deep Tech space.
“Innovate in Tamil Nadu (IN2TN) is our new mantra. It is more than just a slogan; it is a strategic call to action. It encapsulates our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the State,” Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said. Innovation and startups are pivotal to realizing our Hon’ble Chief Minister’s ambitious vision of propelling Tamil Nadu towards a trillion-dollar economy.
To support this journey, that State is in the process of drafting the Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Policy – the first of its kind in the country, he added. Stating that industries can play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation in Tamil Nadu, he urged industries to industry partners to deepen their engagement with iTNT Hub through strategic partnerships and CSR contributions.
The hon’ble minister also gave away cheques for cash prizes to the tune of Rs. 4.5 Lakh to the winners of the top three places of the iTNT “Unlock The Future Innovation Challenge”. The challenge attracted more than 500 teams of startups, innovators and aspirants from the emerging and deep tech space across the State. The applications were scrutinised by a panel of subject matter and industry experts and the top 10 teams pitched before an expert jury after a series of training sessions.
Healthcare startup Vyuhaa Med Data won the prize for their solution on AI & IoT for Real-time Data Analysis and Decision Making. Sustainability startup Daijo won the prize for their solution on Resource Consumption Reduction, while Climate Tech startup Climatequant Tech emerged winner for their Supply Chain Transparency & Efficiency solution. “We have chalked out a strategy to take these winning solutions into deep tech enterprises,” said Additional Chief Secretary – IT&DS Department, Thiru. Kumar Jayant, I.A.S.
Earlier that evening, a curtain-raiser roundtable on the “Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Policy” was chaired by Thiru. Kumar Jayant, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department, and co-chaired by Ms. Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub. Industry and subject matter experts from the deep tech sectors participated in the discussion for the policy that was announced by the Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS at the Demand for Grants session in the assembly in June.