Researchers must go beyond publishing and start thinking about building startups: T.N. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin
'I urge our researchers to go beyond publishing and think about making products and startups. To our startups, let your IP be your edge, own it and grow with it. To our investors, Tamil Nadu has plenty of opportunities for investment. I invite you to invest early in Tamil Nadu's innovation story and grow with us,' he said after inaugurating the first annual Innovate in Tamil Nadu (IN2TN) IP Conclave in Chennai.
The conclave themed, 'Intellectual Powerhouse: Transforming Tamil Nadu into the Innovation Capital of India' was organised by Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub, functioning under the Information Technology and Digital Services department.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said: 'This conclave marks a milestone in our innovation journey. It not only aims to create intellectual property but also to protect, scale, and commercialise it.' He added: 'I am sure that this conclave will help researchers, startups, industries, and policymakers enhance Intellectual Property awareness. This will help to build a culture where IP is seen as both creative and economic asset.'
Mr. Udhayanidhi also pointed out that with the efforts of the government, Tamil Nadu has emerged as the third-largest software exporter in country. 'With the IT department's participation, the government is addressing skill gaps and equipping our students to be industry-ready through proactive initiatives like the Naan Mudhalvan scheme. About 2,000 free Wi-Fi spots have been set up in Chennai, Tambaram, Avadi, and Coimbatore Corporation areas to strengthen digital access,' he said.
Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services (IT & DS), Government of Tamil Nadu, said that events like these are held to find ways to leverage research into commercial outcomes and new companies. 'Our future is going to be determined first by creative ideas and second, by how we can find ways to implement the idea., primarily for the sake of growth, development, and job creation,' he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister also handed over cheques for seed funds under iTNT Hub's FOUNDATION (Financing Opportunities for Unleashing Deep Tech Advancements & Transformative Innovations) fund to five Deep & Emerging Tech startups incubated under the PATHFINDER program at iTNT Hub.
iTNT Hub also exchanged Memoranda of Understanding with organisations including National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bosch India, American Society of Mechanical Engineers India, Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM), and Mahindra & Mahindra.
During the event, four legal firms handed over Letters of Intent (LoI) to extend support to researchers through the Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) at iTNT Hub. These law firms will help strengthening the IP ecosystem for startups, researchers, and other stakeholders.
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