In a significant push to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s start-up and innovation ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) has partnered with Guidance Tamil Nadu to launch INNOVATION-TN, a state-level dashboard that maps, tracks, and showcases the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of the state.

The platform offers a comprehensive view of the start-up ecosystem, enabling investors, industries, financial institutions, and founders to access critical insights while positioning Tamil Nadu as a hub of innovation to both national and global stakeholders.

As of August 2025, the state boasts nearly 19,000 start-ups that together have created more than 2.2 lakh jobs and attracted investments exceeding ₹1.2 lakh crore. Of these, 45 start-ups have each drawn over ₹200 crore in funding, while Tamil Nadu leads the country with 228 active incubators and start-up enablers.

V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-Madras, said the dashboard would guide policymakers in tapping district-level sectoral strengths and help attract global investors, including the Tamil diaspora. “It not only strengthens policy design but also connects start-ups with potential investors worldwide,” he noted.

The platform has been conceptualised by IIT-Madras’ Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST) along with YNOS Venture Engine, an IIT-M incubated start-up. An MoU was signed between IIT-Madras, Guidance Tamil Nadu, and YNOS to formalise the collaboration, with IIT-Madras providing academic oversight and Guidance TN aligning the project with the state’s long-term innovation priorities.

“The dashboard helps start-ups identify the most relevant incubators, investors, and banks for their ventures, saving significant time and improving chances of success,” said A. Thillai Rajan, Head of CREST, IIT-Madras.

Darez Ahamed, MD and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, said the initiative would serve as a catalyst for collaboration across industries, start-ups, R&D firms, and academia. “By spotlighting district-level strengths, we enable corporates to integrate into thriving local ecosystems and help policymakers craft targeted interventions that drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added.