SanchiConnect, one of India’s deep tech enablement networks, has formed a strategic alliance with the Tamil Nadu government and the Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT) to boost the development of deeptech startups throughout the state, particularly emphasising innovation from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The collaboration is designed to establish structured, long-term programs for deep tech entrepreneurs, providing access to tailored mentorship, industry connections, markets, and investors within the SanchiConnect network. In addition to focusing on metro areas, this initiative aims to enhance regional innovation capabilities, assisting founders with technology validation, preparing for commercialisation, and achieving scalable growth.
Commenting on the partnership, Sunil Shekhawat, co-founder and CEO, SanchiConnect, said in a statement, “Tamil Nadu has consistently demonstrated a strong vision for nurturing innovation. This partnership with the state government and iTNT allows us to take structured deeptech enablement into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where entrepreneurial talent is abundant but access to markets, capital, and mentorship is often limited.”
“By combining SanchiConnect’s ecosystem of investors, corporates, and domain experts with the state’s institutional support, we aim to create a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive deeptech startups. Our focus is not just acceleration, but long-term capacity building that enables founders to scale responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to India’s deeptech leadership,” he added.
By collaborating in this partnership, startups will be able to access opportunities in both national and global markets, facilitating their transition from prototype development to enterprise adoption and investment.
The initiative will also prioritise the development of sustainable innovation talent pipelines in Tamil Nadu, equipping local entrepreneurs to tackle significant challenges across climate technology, transportation, health technology, advanced manufacturing, and emerging digital technologies.
Founded in 2022, SanchiConnect is India’s leading deeptech network, connecting over 4,000 startups with 470 investors and 150 corporates. It offers accelerator programmes and mentorship to boost innovation in AI, biotech, clean energy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
