Minister opens facilitation centre at Anna University for deep-tech innovations

Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services Palanivel Thiaga Rajan inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) for deeptech innovations at the iTamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub in Anna University. It is funded by the government under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives.

The centre aims at establishing a State-wide hub to bridge the gap between academic institutions and research organisations, with start-ups and industries, and by facilitating the transfer of deeptech innovations. This is to ensure that Tamil Nadu’s leading IP and research ecosystem translates into economic and societal benefits.

TNTTFC will address systemic challenges, including commercialisation hurdles. “This will enable Tamil Nadu to compete at an international level in fields such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and clean energy,” the Minister said.

The centre will act as a centralised platform for and global collaborations, including IP management, licensing, and market analysis. “It will actively support start-ups, MSMEs, and researchers in scaling and commercialising innovative technologies through structured funding, training and mentorship programmes,” J. Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission said. Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary to Government, Information Technology and Digital Services Department, said: “TNTTFC will offer comprehensive support to end-to-end IP Management; empower researchers and innovators to transform IP into successful ventures through dedicated spinoff support; and seed grant for proof-of-concept validation, prototype development, and early market testing.”

“This will facilitate the execution of joint projects, contract research, and consulting engagements that address industry needs, while advancing scientific discovery,” said Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub.