Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan Spotlights State’s Vision for Emerging and Deep Tech Innovation

Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for IT&DS, highlighted Tamil Nadu’s commitment to fostering innovation in Emerging and Deep Tech during the first iTNT Day in Chennai. The event marked the anniversary of the inauguration of the Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub), established through collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and the Information Technology and Digital Services Department of Tamil Nadu, supported by industry leaders.

Dr. Rajan emphasized the significant role of Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem in Deep Tech and Emerging Technologies. The event brought together international partners, industry leaders, academics, startup founders, and government officials to support the creation of India’s first Deep Tech Innovation Network, aimed at driving global transformative innovation initiatives for the upcoming year.

The occasion also saw the signing of crucial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various entities including Tamil Nadu Smart and Advanced Manufacturing Centre (TANSAM) with Siemens, and Tamil Nadu Centres of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing (TANCAM) with Dassault Systèmes, among others. These partnerships underscored iTNT’s commitment to strengthening the state’s technological landscape.

A highlight of the event was the facilitation of two Technology Transfers through iTNT’s “Jigsaw” platform, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. This initiative, launched earlier this year by Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, aims to enhance Industry-Academia partnerships and has already engaged over 4,100 researchers.

Moderated by iTNT Hub CEO, Tmt. Vanitha Venugopal, a panel discussion titled “Intellectual Property & Tech Transfer for Deeptech Innovations” featured contributions from prominent figures including Dr. R. Velraj, Vice Chancellor of Anna University, and Mr. Thangapandian from the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks, among others. The discussion focused on the pivotal role of academia, startups, government, and industry in driving Deep Tech innovations.

The event concluded with the signing of MoUs with 50 higher education institutions to support research, development, and innovation on campus, affirming Tamil Nadu’s commitment to nurturing a robust ecosystem for academic researchers, innovators, and student entrepreneurs.