Tamil Nadu has unveiled its Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025–26, signaling a strong push to deepen and scale the state’s innovation ecosystem. Announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the 4th edition of Umagine TN 2026, the policy commits ₹100 crore to support 100 deep tech startups operating across high-impact and future-facing sectors. The initiative reflects the state government’s intent to move beyond conventional startup support and accelerate innovation-led economic growth.
The policy outlines a set of measurable and outcome-driven targets aimed at strengthening the full deep tech value chain. These include enabling at least 10 technology transfer or licensing agreements between startups and academic or R&D institutions, boosting annual patent filings by 25 percent, and training more than 10,000 students and working professionals in critical deep tech skills. Focus areas for talent development include artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, and other advanced technologies that are expected to shape next-generation industries.
In addition to capacity building, the policy places strong emphasis on research and commercialization. It provides for the award of 10 research fellowships to encourage applied innovation and facilitates procurement of deep tech solutions worth ₹10 crore through structured public and private market-access programmes. By creating pathways for startups to pilot and deploy solutions, the state aims to reduce time-to-market and improve commercial viability for complex technologies.
Looking beyond direct funding, the five-year policy is designed to position Tamil Nadu as India’s leading deep tech hub, aligned with its broader ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy. Planned initiatives include the establishment of deep tech innovation hubs, centres of excellence, and sector-specific test beds that allow startups to validate and scale technologies in real-world environments. A Government as Early Adopter Programme across five departments is also expected to play a critical role in driving demand and adoption.
The policy further emphasizes global market access, stronger intellectual property creation within the state, and targeted support for emerging areas such as quantum computing, photonics, and advanced materials. Collectively, these measures underscore Tamil Nadu’s strategy to build a resilient, research-driven startup ecosystem capable of delivering long-term economic and technological leadership.
