The policy was announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin at the fourth edition of the Umagine TN technology summit in Chennai.Tamil Nadu on Thursday launched its Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-26, unveiling a ₹100 crore commitment to nurture science-and IP-intensive ventures, as part of efforts to boost the state’s innovation ecosystem.
The policy was announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin at the fourth edition of the Umagine TN technology summit in Chennai.
The state aims to support 100 deep tech startups over the next five years and create a network of deep tech parks, centres of excellence and sector-specific test beds.
A key feature is the policy’s staged financing model calibrated to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), offering multi-year R&D grants at TRL 1-4, commercialisation support for TRL 5-7, and scale-up funding including venture debt and a government-backed Fund of Funds for TRL 7 and above.
To help with market adoption, the government plans to become an early adopter across five departments, facilitating pilots and issuing completion certificates. It also announced a single platform for infrastructure access, regulatory clearances, IP advisory, funding schemes and industry connections.
The state is also targeting a 25 per cent increase in annual patent filings from deep tech startups, 10 technology transfer deals, and deep tech procurement worth ₹10 crore through public and private sector mechanisms.
A key focus is also talent development with plans to train 10,000 students and professionals, fund doctoral research, and integrate deep tech modules into state university curricula.
The move comes amid a broader Centre-led push to expand domestic manufacturing and R&D. Tamil Nadu has long been a feeder for deep tech ventures, with companies such as Ather Energy and AgniKul Cosmos emerging from IIT Madras.
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