- Chennai, 10 July 2024: The Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub), inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin in May 2023, marked its first iTNT Day on Thursday, July 11, 2024. The iTNT Hub, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), GoI; the Information Technology and Digital Services (IT&DS) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu; and industry partners, aims to establish a premier Deep Tech Innovation Network in India.
The event brought together international partners, industry leaders, academics, innovators, startup founders, and government officials to celebrate and support the Deep Tech ecosystem in Tamil Nadu. It set the stage for key initiatives for the 2024-25 period.
Keynote Addresses:
Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan highlighted the strength of Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem in Deep Tech and Emerging Tech. Dr. J. Jeyaranjan, Vice Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, emphasized iTNT’s role in positioning Tamil Nadu as an innovation-driven economy.
MeitY Secretary Thiru. S. Krishnan, I.A.S., shared insights on the upcoming National Deep Tech Startup Policy aimed at fostering a conducive innovation ecosystem. Additional Chief Secretary to Government, IT&DS, Thiru. Dheeraj Kumar, I.A.S., detailed the department’s efforts to enhance Tamil Nadu’s Emerging and Deep Tech landscape by engaging diverse stakeholders.
Strategic Partnerships and MoUs:
The iTNT Hub signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key partners, including:
- Tamil Nadu Smart and Advance Manufacturing Centre, in association with Siemens (TANSAM)
- Tamil Nadu Centers of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing, in association with Dassault Systèmes (TANCAM)
- Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation (TNIFMC)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) India
- Microsoft India
- D Labs Incubator Association, Indian School of Business (ISB)
- T-Hub and T-Works, Hyderabad
Technology Transfers:
Two significant “Technology Transfers” were facilitated through the iTNT Hub’s “Jigsaw” platform, which promotes Industry-Academia collaboration. The transfers included:
- An Expression of Interest for Technology Transfer (TT) between Dr. Manjula, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, and Astromeda Space Private Limited.
- A MoU for TT between Dr. Parthasarathy, Scientist E, Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, and Vivagen Dx Labs (OPC) Pvt. Ltd.
Panel Discussion:
The event featured a panel discussion on “Intellectual Property & Tech Transfer for Deeptech Innovations – Role of Academia, Startups, Government, and Industry,” moderated by Tmt. Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub. Panelists included:
- Dr. R. Velraj, Vice Chancellor of Anna University
- Mr. Thangapandian, Joint Controller, Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks
- Mr. Krishna Chaitanya, CEO of TNIFMC
- Mr. P. Padmakumar, Chairman of CII SR Skills Taskforce & ED
Commitment to Academia:
iTNT Hub also signed MoUs with 50 higher education institutions to nurture research, development, and innovation on campus, supporting academic researchers, innovators, and student entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit iTNT Hub.
