Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre for DeepTech Innovations Inaugurated at iTNT Hub

Chennai, July 17, 2025: The Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services (IT&DS) Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan on Thursday inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) for DeepTech Innovations Inaugurated at Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub at the Anna University Campus.

TNTTFC, an initiative funded by the Tamil Nadu Government under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) was dedicated in the presence of the Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission Dr. J. Jeyaranjan; Principal Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department Thiru. Brajendra Navnit, I.A.S.; and iTNT Hub CEO Ms. Vanitha Venugopal.

The Centre aims to establish a state-wide hub to bridge the gap between academic institutions & research organizations, with startups & industries by facilitating efficient transfer of DeepTech innovations. This will ensure that Tamil Nadu’s leading IP and research ecosystem translates into economic and societal benefits.

As a catalyst for DeepTech growth, TNTTFC will address systemic challenges such as fragmented networks, regulatory barriers and commercialization hurdles. “This will enable Tamil Nadu to compete at an international level in fields like AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, etc.” Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for IT&DS, said.

The Minister expressed confidence that the Centre will strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a DeepTech innovation hub, contributing to global advancements and reinforcing the State’s leadership in technology-driven economic growth.

TNTTFC will act as a centralized platform for technology commercialization and global collaborations including IP management, licensing and market analysis. “It will actively support startups, MSMEs and researchers in scaling and commercializing innovative technologies through structured funding, training and mentorship programs,” stated Dr. J. Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission.

The centre will organise sensitisation programs; Research 2 Revenue (R2R) programs to support innovators build scalable and sustainable businesses from research outcomes; and innovation spotlight to serve as a launchpad for cutting-edge, IP-secured technologies from Tamil Nadu’s academic and research institutions.

“In addition to Technology Transfer, TNTTFC will offer comprehensive support for the end-to-end IP Management; empower researchers & 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,” said Thiru. Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary to Government, IT&DS Department.

A salient feature of the Centre is to act as a vital link between academia and industry by aligning real-world challenges with the research strengths of academic institutions. “This will facilitate the execution of joint projects, contract research, and consulting engagements that address industry needs while advancing scientific discovery,” adds Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub.