TN launches AI, deep-tech push with new initiatives
Presented in the State Legislative Assembly by Minister Kumar R, the new announcements encompass multi-crore funds, state-of-the-art infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and specialised AI tools across multiple sectors.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a comprehensive suite of initiatives under the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Digital Services to position the state as a 'national leader' in AI and deep-tech innovation.
Presented in the State Legislative Assembly by Minister Kumar R, the new announcements encompass multi-crore funds, state-of-the-art infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and specialised AI tools across multiple sectors.
He said that to leverage Tamil Nadu’s strong research and academic foundation, the 'Vetri Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Innovation Fund' will be established through the Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT Hub) with an initial fund corpus of Rs 50 crore.
"The initiative will provide targeted support to deep-tech startups, researchers, innovators, and PhD scholars working in high-impact domains such as AI/ML, LLM/SLM, advanced materials, semiconductors, and robotics", he said, adding "to promote inclusive growth, a separate 25% allocation will be reserved for SC/ST founders.
The announcement builds on Tamil Nadu’s broader push to develop an integrated AI and deep-tech ecosystem. Earlier policy measures have identified AI as the first focus area for a Centre of Excellence in emerging and deep technologies, while the iTNT Hub’s existing deep-tech programmes are intended to connect startups, researchers and industry. The state has also outlined plans for an AI Technology City, with proposed facilities including an AI university, international skill-development infrastructure, semiconductor testing laboratories and innovation incubators.
The latest package extends this strategy beyond funding for technology ventures. Other announcements include a Rs 20 crore programme for Vetri Tamil Nadu AI Centres of Excellence through ELCOT, a Rs 10 crore government-owned ultra-high-performance GPU computing cluster to provide AI services to entrepreneurs, AI models for health and agriculture programmes, and an AI-enabled Tamil Internet Language Lab.
The government has also announced a Rs 5 crore Vetri Tamil Nadu Super App intended to provide access to around 500 government services through mobile phones.
(With inputs from PTI)