Tamil Nadu Unveils Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 With ₹100 Crore Push

Tamil Nadu has rolled out a dedicated policy to accelerate deep tech innovation, aiming to convert frontier research into market-ready products through targeted funding, infrastructure and talent initiatives. 

Policy Scope, Funding and Adoption Model 

The Tamil Nadu government announced the Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 on January 8, committing to support 100 deep tech startups and mobilise ₹100 crore in combined public and private investments.  

The policy spans the full startup journey, from early-stage R&D and proof-of-concept to commercialisation and scale-up, with technology-readiness-level-based funding that includes R&D grants, mid-stage commercialisation support and scale-up capital.  

It also provides assistance for patent filing, IP protection and technology transfer. A “government as early adopter” model will pilot solutions across departments to help startups secure early validation and customers.  

Infrastructure, Talent and Priority Sectors 

A central pillar of the policy is infrastructure creation, with plans for deep tech innovation hubs, centres of excellence and sector-specific test beds that allow live-environment validation.  

Talent development targets training over 10,000 students and professionals across areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and advanced materials, alongside research fellowships and stronger industry–academia collaboration.  

The policy prioritises electronics and semiconductors, electric vehicles, healthcare and biotechnology, clean energy, aerospace and enterprise applications, while also backing long-gestation technologies including quantum computing, genomics and photonics. 

Wider Context 

Tamil Nadu is among the first states to introduce a standalone deep tech startup policy, while other states such as Karnataka embed deep tech within broader innovation frameworks.  

At the national level, a proposed National Deep Tech Startup Policy and the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation scheme under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation aim to strengthen funding and commercialisation for frontier technologies, including quantum, semiconductors and AI. 

Read More: Tamil Nadu Govt Announces ₹3,000 Cash for All Rice Ration Card Holders as Pongal Gift! 

Conclusion 

By pairing lifecycle funding with infrastructure, early adoption and talent development, Tamil Nadu’s Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 sets out a comprehensive framework to scale research-driven startups and accelerate technology-led growth in the state. 

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