{
 "dataset": "ecosystem",
 "title": "The TN AI Map",
 "description": "AI startups, companies, research labs, colleges, incubators and investors in Tamil Nadu, by city.",
 "publisher": "theTN.ai",
 "homepage": "https://thetn.ai/data/",
 "license": {
  "name": "CC BY 4.0",
  "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "note": "Free to reuse, including commercially, with credit to theTN.ai and a link to the record's theTN.ai page. Facts belong to their original sources, which each record names."
 },
 "how_to_cite": "The TN AI Map, theTN.ai, https://thetn.ai/data/v1/ecosystem.json",
 "notes": "Each record names its source (source_name, source_url) and the date we last checked it (verified_at). drafted_by and approved_by show who wrote and who approved it.",
 "generated_at": "2026-10-26T22:51:11.389Z",
 "count": 81,
 "records": [
  {
   "id": "adhiyamaan-college-of-engineering",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Adhiyamaan College of Engineering",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Hosur",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Autonomous engineering college in Hosur that offers a BTech in AI and Data Science and a BE in Computer Science and Engineering (AI and Machine Learning).",
   "website": "https://adhiyamaan.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://adhiyamaan.ac.in/ace/index.php",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "ai4bharat",
   "page": null,
   "name": "AI4Bharat",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Language",
   "description": "A research lab at IIT Madras that builds open-source datasets and models for Indian languages, including Tamil, covering translation, speech recognition, text-to-speech and language models.",
   "website": "https://ai4bharat.iitm.ac.in",
   "notable": "Its IndicTrans2 translation models cover all 22 scheduled Indian languages (lab website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Lab website",
   "source_url": "https://ai4bharat.iitm.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "aivar-innovations",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/aivar-innovations/",
   "name": "Aivar Innovations",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "AI services startup headquartered in Coimbatore that builds and runs AI agents, generative AI and data systems for companies, especially in banking and healthcare. Started by former AWS executives.",
   "website": "https://www.aivar.tech",
   "founded": 2024,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 4.6 million seed round led by Sorin Investments, with Bessemer Venture Partners",
   "notable": "Says it works with more than 80 customers (Inc42).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/ai-startup-aivar-raises-4-6-mn-to-fuel-international-expansion/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-coimbatore",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Deemed university whose Ettimadai campus near Coimbatore offers several BTech degrees in AI and data science, including tracks in robotics, cyber-physical systems, quantum technologies and medical engineering.",
   "website": "https://www.amrita.edu/campus/coimbatore/",
   "notable": "The Coimbatore campus has over 12,000 students and about 1,500 faculty (university website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University website",
   "source_url": "https://www.amrita.edu/campus/coimbatore/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "anna-university",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Anna University",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "State technical university in Chennai with a Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research and Applications (CAInDRA). It also hosts the AU-KBC Research Centre, which works on Indian language computing.",
   "website": "https://www.annauniv.edu",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University website",
   "source_url": "https://www.annauniv.edu/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "anna-university-ced",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Anna University",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "Anna University's startup centre that runs pre-incubation and incubation programmes, hackathons and funding support for student and faculty startups.",
   "website": "https://www.auced.com",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "CED website",
   "source_url": "https://www.auced.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "au-kbc-research-centre",
   "page": null,
   "name": "AU-KBC Research Centre",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Language",
   "description": "A research centre on Anna University's MIT campus in Chromepet that works on natural language processing and Indian language computing, alongside life sciences research.",
   "website": "https://www.au-kbc.org",
   "founded": 1999,
   "notable": "Placed first in Task 1 of the DISRPT 2025 shared task on discourse analysis (centre website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Centre website",
   "source_url": "https://www.au-kbc.org/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "bannari-amman-institute-of-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Erode",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college at Sathyamangalam in Erode district whose computer science departments run a yearly International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Computing; the sixth edition was held on 17 to 18 Apr 2026.",
   "website": "https://www.bitsathy.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.bitsathy.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "botminds",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/botminds/",
   "name": "Botminds",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Fintech",
   "description": "Builds AI agents for lenders that read borrower documents, analyse financials and prepare credit files for underwriters. Headquartered in Seattle, with an office in Chennai.",
   "website": "https://www.botminds.ai",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.botminds.ai/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "caindra-anna-university",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research and Applications (CAInDRA), Anna University",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Research",
   "description": "A research centre of Anna University in Chennai set up for research and applied work in artificial intelligence and data science.",
   "website": "https://www.annauniv.edu/caindra/",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Anna University website",
   "source_url": "https://www.annauniv.edu/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "cerai-iit-madras",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI), IIT Madras",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Research",
   "description": "A research centre at IIT Madras that studies how to make AI systems fair, explainable and accountable, and recommends guidelines and policies for deploying AI in India.",
   "website": "https://cerai.iitm.ac.in",
   "notable": "Part of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI; runs an annual Industry Conclave on AI Governance (centre website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Centre website",
   "source_url": "https://cerai.iitm.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "chennai-mathematical-institute",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Research institute in mathematics and computer science that offers a two-year MSc in Data Science, and a Data Science minor for its four-year programmes.",
   "website": "https://www.cmi.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "CMI admissions page",
   "source_url": "https://www.cmi.ac.in/admissions/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "coimbatore-institute-of-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college that offers a BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, an MSc in Data Science and an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.",
   "website": "https://cit.edu.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://cit.edu.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "datasee-ai",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/datasee-ai/",
   "name": "Datasee.AI",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Renewable energy",
   "description": "Turns drone and satellite images into analytics for renewable energy projects, from planning through construction and operations. Office on Anna Salai, Chennai.",
   "website": "https://www.datasee.ai",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.datasee.ai/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "detect-technologies",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/detect-technologies/",
   "name": "Detect Technologies",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Industrial safety",
   "description": "Uses AI and computer vision on existing CCTV, sensors and plant data to watch industrial sites for safety, security and equipment problems. Headquartered in Chennai with a North American hub in Houston.",
   "website": "https://detecttechnologies.com",
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 28 million Series B led by Prosus Ventures (2022)",
   "notable": "Customers include Fortune 500 industrial operators across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://detecttechnologies.com/about-us",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "disprz",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/disprz/",
   "name": "Disprz",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Edtech",
   "description": "Chennai-based workplace learning platform that uses AI to create training content, personalise learning paths and run sales role-play coaching for employees.",
   "website": "https://disprz.ai",
   "founded": 2015,
   "notable": "Founded by Kuljit Chadha and Subramanian Viswanathan (Inc42 Datalabs).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42 Datalabs",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/company/disprz/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "facilio",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/facilio/",
   "name": "Facilio",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Property operations",
   "description": "Builds facility and maintenance software for building owners, with AI agents and assistants that handle service requests and maintenance decisions. Started by former Zoho employees.",
   "website": "https://facilio.com",
   "founded": 2017,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 35 million Series B led by Dragoneer Investment Group",
   "notable": "Founded by Prabhu Ramachandran, Krishnamoorthi Rangasamy, Rajavel Subramanian and Yogendra Babu (Inc42).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/proptech-startup-facilio-raises-35-mn-from-dragoneer-brookfield-growth/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "farmagain",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/farmagain/",
   "name": "Farmagain",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Agriculture",
   "description": "Coimbatore agritech company whose GroTron system uses real-time soil, weather and crop data with AI to automate irrigation and fertiliser dosing for open fields, polyhouses and vertical farms.",
   "website": "https://www.farmagain.co",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.farmagain.co/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "forge-innovation-and-ventures",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Forge Innovation & Ventures",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "Coimbatore-based innovation platform and venture builder that backs 'hardware-first, digital-plus' startups building products for industry, and links them with large companies.",
   "website": "https://www.forge-iv.co",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Forge website",
   "source_url": "https://www.forge-iv.co/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "fourkites",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/fourkites/",
   "name": "FourKites",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Logistics",
   "description": "Supply chain visibility company whose AI agents track shipments and act on delays for large brands. Headquartered in the US, with its Asia base in Chennai.",
   "website": "https://www.fourkites.ai",
   "founded": 2014,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 240 million in total",
   "notable": "Founded by Matt Elenjickal; serves 1,600+ enterprise customers (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.fourkites.ai/company/about",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "francis-xavier-engineering-college",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Francis Xavier Engineering College (FXEC)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Tirunelveli",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Autonomous engineering college in Tirunelveli that offers a BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.",
   "website": "https://www.francisxavier.ac.in",
   "founded": 2000,
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.francisxavier.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "freshworks",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/freshworks/",
   "name": "Freshworks",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Customer service, IT and sales software company founded in Chennai in 2010. Its Freddy AI assistant and agents help support, sales and IT teams. Its headquarters moved to the US, while Chennai remains a main base.",
   "website": "https://www.freshworks.com",
   "founded": 2010,
   "notable": "Listed on Nasdaq; its 2023 Freddy AI release was datelined San Mateo and Chennai (Freshworks press release).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Freshworks press release",
   "source_url": "https://www.freshworks.com/press-releases/freshworks-unveils-new-generative-ai-enhancements-across-product-lines-to-power-greater-business-efficiency/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "fxec-business-incubator",
   "page": null,
   "name": "FXEC Business Incubator",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Tirunelveli",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "Business incubator at Francis Xavier Engineering College, approved by the Union MSME ministry in March 2022, that helps new ventures get MSME support of up to Rs 15 lakh per project.",
   "website": "https://www.francisxavier.ac.in/fxec-business-incubator",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.francisxavier.ac.in/fxec-business-incubator",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "government-college-of-engineering-salem",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Government College of Engineering, Salem",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Salem",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "State government engineering college on the Salem-Bengaluru highway that offers a BE in Computer Science and Engineering (AI and Machine Learning).",
   "website": "https://gcesalem.edu.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://gcesalem.edu.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "guvi",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/guvi/",
   "name": "HCL GUVI",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Edtech",
   "description": "Chennai edtech company, incubated by IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, that teaches programming, data science and AI courses in Tamil, English and other Indian languages. It was acquired by the HCL Group in 2022.",
   "website": "https://www.guvi.in",
   "founded": 2014,
   "notable": "Says it is trusted by over 4.8 million users across 20 languages (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.guvi.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "helloleads",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/helloleads/",
   "name": "HelloLeads",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Trichy",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Trichy-based maker of an AI-enabled mobile CRM that helps small businesses capture leads, track sales pipelines and follow up with customers.",
   "website": "https://helloleads.io",
   "notable": "Says it is trusted by more than 10,000 businesses worldwide (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://helloleads.io/about/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "hindustan-institute-of-technology-and-science",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Deemed university on Chennai's southern edge, running since 1985, with an Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programme.",
   "website": "https://hindustanuniv.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University website",
   "source_url": "https://hindustanuniv.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iamneo",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/iamneo/",
   "name": "iamneo",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Edtech",
   "description": "Coimbatore-headquartered company that sells AI-based coding courses, skill assessments and hiring tools to universities and companies.",
   "website": "https://iamneo.ai",
   "funding_text": "NIIT bought a 70% stake for Rs 61 crore",
   "notable": "Now majority-owned by listed training company NIIT (Venture Intelligence).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Venture Intelligence",
   "source_url": "https://news.ventureintelligence.com/ma/niit-acquires-70%25-stake-in-deep-skilling-tech-saas-player-iamneo-for-rs.61-cr",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iiitdm-kancheepuram",
   "page": null,
   "name": "IIITDM Kancheepuram",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "National institute of information technology, design and manufacturing on the southern edge of Chennai. Its listed research projects use AI and machine learning for medical devices, disease detection and industrial maintenance.",
   "website": "https://www.iiitdm.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Institute website",
   "source_url": "https://www.iiitdm.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iit-madras",
   "page": null,
   "name": "IIT Madras",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "National institute of technology in Chennai that runs an online BS degree in Data Science and Applications open to learners anywhere, alongside its on-campus AI school and research centres.",
   "website": "https://study.iitm.ac.in/ds/",
   "notable": "More than 36,000 students are studying in the online BS in Data Science and Applications (programme website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "IIT Madras BS programme website",
   "source_url": "https://study.iitm.ac.in/ds/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iit-madras-incubation-cell",
   "page": null,
   "name": "IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC)",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Deep tech",
   "description": "IIT Madras's main startup incubator. It gives deep-tech startups space, seed funding, mentoring and help reaching customers.",
   "website": "https://incubation.iitm.ac.in",
   "founded": 2013,
   "notable": "Had incubated 511 startups with a combined valuation above Rs 53,000 crore by Dec 2025 (IIT Madras).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "IIT Madras press release",
   "source_url": "https://www.iitm.ac.in/happenings/press-releases-and-coverages/iit-madras-incubation-cell-crosses-500-startup-milestone",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iit-madras-research-park",
   "page": null,
   "name": "IIT Madras Research Park",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Research and incubation",
   "description": "Calls itself India's first university-based research park. It gives office and lab space next to IIT Madras to R&D companies, labs and deep-tech startups.",
   "website": "https://respark.iitm.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Research Park website",
   "source_url": "https://respark.iitm.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iitm-pravartak",
   "page": null,
   "name": "IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Research",
   "description": "A not-for-profit company hosted by IIT Madras that runs the national Technology Innovation Hub on sensors, networking, actuators and control systems, funded by the Department of Science and Technology.",
   "website": "https://pravartak.org.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "IIT Madras website",
   "source_url": "https://www.iitm.ac.in/research-park/iitm-pravartak",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "iitm-wadhwani-school-of-data-science-and-ai",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Research",
   "description": "An academic school at IIT Madras for data science and AI teaching and research, set up with a Rs 110 crore gift from alumnus Sunil Wadhwani. It also aims to advise government on AI policy.",
   "website": "https://dsai.iitm.ac.in",
   "founded": 2024,
   "notable": "Runs a joint MSc in Data Science and AI with the University of Birmingham, UK (BioSpectrum, Jan 2024).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "BioSpectrum India",
   "source_url": "https://biospectrumindia.com/news/68/24139/iit-m-receives-endowment-of-rs-110-cr-to-establish-wadhwani-school-of-data-science-ai.html",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "indium",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/indium/",
   "name": "Indium",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Data and AI services",
   "description": "Chennai-headquartered technology services firm that builds AI agents, AI-based data platforms and AI-driven software testing for clients.",
   "website": "https://www.indium.tech",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.indium.tech/contact-us/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "intellect-design-arena",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/intellect-design-arena/",
   "name": "Intellect Design Arena",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Fintech",
   "description": "A Chennai-based banking software company that sells AI-first platforms for lending, payments, wealth and insurance under its eMACH.ai brand.",
   "website": "https://www.intellectdesign.com",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.intellectdesign.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "itnt-hub",
   "page": null,
   "name": "iTNT Hub (Tamil Nadu Technology Hub)",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Deep tech",
   "description": "A state-backed, non-profit deep-tech incubator and accelerator on the Anna University campus in Guindy that supports AI, machine learning and other emerging-tech startups and links them with colleges and industry.",
   "website": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in",
   "founded": 2023,
   "notable": "Built at a cost of Rs 54.61 crore and opened in May 2023, with funding from the Union IT ministry, the state and industry (Deccan Chronicle).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Deccan Chronicle",
   "source_url": "https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/160523/cm-stalin-inaugurates-itnt-hub.html",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "itnt-hub-trichy",
   "page": null,
   "name": "iTNT Hub Trichy Regional Centre",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Trichy",
   "sector": "Deep tech",
   "description": "The first regional centre of the state-backed iTNT Hub outside Chennai, at Anna University's campus on the Trichy-Pudukottai road. It supports startups and researchers in AI, machine learning, robotics and other deep-tech fields.",
   "website": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in",
   "founded": 2025,
   "notable": "Over 40 engineering colleges from Trichy, Pudukottai, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur had signed MoUs with the hub at its opening in Sep 2025 (report on PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan's website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan website (news report)",
   "source_url": "https://ptrmadurai.com/Trichy%20Get%20States%20First%20Regional%20iTNT%20Hub",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "jarvislabs-ai",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/jarvislabs-ai/",
   "name": "JarvisLabs.ai",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "AI infrastructure",
   "description": "Bootstrapped Coimbatore company that rents out NVIDIA GPUs in the cloud, by the minute, for training and running AI models.",
   "website": "https://jarvislabs.ai",
   "funding_text": "Bootstrapped",
   "notable": "Founded by Vishnu Subramanian (Inc42 Datalabs).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42 Datalabs",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/company/jarvislabs/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "k-ramakrishnan-college-of-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "K. Ramakrishnan College of Technology (KRCT)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Trichy",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Autonomous engineering college at Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli, with a Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, a CSE (AI and Machine Learning) programme and its own KR-SIIF incubator.",
   "website": "https://krct.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://krct.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "kissflow",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/kissflow/",
   "name": "Kissflow",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Makes a low-code and no-code platform with AI features that lets companies build business apps and automate workflows. It grew out of OrangeScape, founded by Suresh Sambandam.",
   "website": "https://kissflow.com",
   "notable": "Kissflow was launched at Google I/O in 2012 as a workflow tool for Google Apps (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://kissflow.com/about-us/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "knowledge-institute-of-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Knowledge Institute of Technology (KIOT)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Salem",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Salem that offers a BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.",
   "website": "https://kiot.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://kiot.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "kovai-co",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/kovai-co/",
   "name": "Kovai.co",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Bootstrapped software company run between London and Coimbatore. Its Document360 knowledge-base product now includes AI features, and Coimbatore is its main hub for engineering and AI development.",
   "website": "https://www.kovai.co",
   "funding_text": "Bootstrapped, with no external venture funding; revenue above USD 20 million",
   "notable": "Announced a Rs 220 crore investment in a Coimbatore development centre as Document360 passed USD 10 million ARR (CXOToday).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "CXOToday",
   "source_url": "https://cxotoday.com/media-coverage/kovai-cos-document360-surpasses-10-million-arr-sets-sights-on-25-million-by-2028-with-%E2%82%B9220-crore-investment-in-coimbatore-development-centre-hub/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "kpr-institute-of-engineering-and-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (KPRIET)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Coimbatore with programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, CSE (AI and ML) and Data Science, and a stated plan to build AI into teaching, learning and research across the campus.",
   "website": "https://www.kpriet.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.kpriet.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "kumaraguru-college-of-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Coimbatore with a Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and its own innovation and incubation centre.",
   "website": "https://kct.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://kct.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "latentview-analytics",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/latentview-analytics/",
   "name": "LatentView Analytics",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Data analytics",
   "description": "A data analytics and AI consulting firm with its registered office in Taramani, Chennai. It builds analytics and generative AI tools for large companies in retail, media and other sectors.",
   "website": "https://www.latentview.com",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.latentview.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "manonmaniam-sundaranar-university",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Manonmaniam Sundaranar University",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Tirunelveli",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "State university in Tirunelveli that sets syllabi for MSc Artificial Intelligence and BSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programmes taught in its affiliated colleges.",
   "website": "https://msuniv.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University syllabus (MSc Artificial Intelligence, 2021 regulations)",
   "source_url": "https://msuniv.ac.in/images/academic/centre%20academic%20affairs/revised%20syllabus/Semesters%20I%20to%20VI%20UG%20Syllabus-%20I%20to%20IV%20PG%20Syllabus%20-%20(2021-2022%20Batch)%20-%20Affiliated%20Colleges/PG%20-%20C%20-%20Science/M.Sc.%20Artificial%20Intelligence.pdf",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "mavenai-technologies",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/mavenai-technologies/",
   "name": "MavenAI Technologies",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Insurance",
   "description": "Chennai startup that uses AI to process motor insurance claims, and also offers AI chatbots, drone image analysis and industrial defect detection.",
   "website": "https://www.mavenai.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.mavenai.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "mepco-schlenk-engineering-college",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Mepco Schlenk Engineering College",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Sivakasi",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Sivakasi that offers both a BTech and an MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.",
   "website": "https://mepcoeng.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://mepcoeng.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "muthirai-tce",
   "page": null,
   "name": "MuthirAI: Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Tamil and AI Research for Innovation, TCE",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Madurai",
   "sector": "Language",
   "description": "A centre at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, started in 2024 by its computer science, IT and data science departments, that creates Tamil datasets, builds AI models and develops mobile and web apps for Tamil.",
   "website": "https://www.tce.edu/nodal-centre/centres-excellence",
   "founded": 2024,
   "notable": "Lists an on-site GPU server and cloud access to H100 GPUs for its Tamil model work (TCE Centres of Excellence page).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.tce.edu/nodal-centre/centres-excellence",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "national-engineering-college-kovilpatti",
   "page": null,
   "name": "National Engineering College (NEC)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Kovilpatti",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Kovilpatti with a Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and a NIDHI-supported DST technology business incubator.",
   "website": "https://nec.edu.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://nec.edu.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "nativelead",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Nativelead",
   "type": "investor",
   "city": "Madurai",
   "sector": "Investment",
   "description": "Madurai-based angel network and startup support platform that connects successful people from Tamil Nadu's smaller towns with founders from their region, with chapters in cities including Madurai and Trichy.",
   "website": "https://nativelead.org",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Nativelead website",
   "source_url": "https://nativelead.org/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "nit-tiruchirappalli",
   "page": null,
   "name": "National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Trichy",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "National institute of technology in Tiruchirappalli whose Department of Computer Applications runs an MTech in Data Analytics, started in 2017, that covers machine learning and deep learning.",
   "website": "https://www.nitt.edu",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "NIT Trichy website",
   "source_url": "https://nitt.edu/home/academics/departments/ca/programmes/mtech",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "nitt-cedi",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation (CEDI), NIT Trichy",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Trichy",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "The startup incubator of NIT Tiruchirappalli, which supports technology startups from students, faculty and the region.",
   "website": "https://www.nitt.edu",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "India Science, Technology and Innovation portal",
   "source_url": "https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/hi/technologyincubators/centre-entrepreneurship-development-and-incubation-cedi",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "pando",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/pando/",
   "name": "Pando",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Logistics",
   "description": "Runs an AI-based transport management platform that helps manufacturers and retailers plan freight, run shipments and check freight bills.",
   "website": "https://pando.ai",
   "founded": 2017,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 30 million Series B led by Iron Pillar (2023)",
   "notable": "Named a Visionary in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Transportation Management Systems (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/saas-startup-pando-bags-12-mn-funding-to-fix-supply-chain-issues-for-enterprises/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "pibi-tech",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/pibi-tech/",
   "name": "Pibi Tech",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Madurai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "AI services company with offices in Madurai and Chennai that builds AI agents, AI knowledge bases and AI training-data pipelines for healthcare, manufacturing and other businesses.",
   "website": "https://www.pibitech.com",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.pibitech.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "planys-technologies",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/planys-technologies/",
   "name": "Planys Technologies",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Infrastructure inspection",
   "description": "Chennai-based maker of underwater robots that inspect dams, bridges, ports and pipelines, with AI-based analytics and digital reports on the data they collect.",
   "website": "https://planystech.com",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://planystech.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "pmc-tech-hosur",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Er. Perumal Manimekalai College of Engineering (PMC Tech)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Hosur",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Autonomous engineering college on the Hosur-Krishnagiri highway that offers a BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and a BE in AI and Machine Learning, and runs a business incubation centre.",
   "website": "https://pmctech.org",
   "founded": 2002,
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://pmctech.org/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "psg-itech",
   "page": null,
   "name": "PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "A PSG group engineering college in Coimbatore whose Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, started in 2022, teaches machine learning, deep learning and big data analytics.",
   "website": "https://psgitech.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://psgitech.ac.in/ai-ds/index.php",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "psg-step",
   "page": null,
   "name": "PSG-STEP",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Coimbatore",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "Science and technology entrepreneurs park at PSG College of Technology that incubates technology startups in software, electronics and other fields.",
   "website": "https://www.psgstep.org",
   "founded": 1998,
   "notable": "Set up with support from the Department of Science and Technology, IDBI and ICICI; an iDEX partner incubator (PSG-STEP website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "PSG-STEP website",
   "source_url": "https://www.psgstep.org/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "quantrium",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/quantrium/",
   "name": "Quantrium",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Chennai-based firm that builds AI and machine learning systems for clients, including AI document processing, AI for loan origination and agentic AI for portfolio management.",
   "website": "https://quantrium.ai",
   "notable": "Says it serves clients in the USA, UK, Japan and India in insurance, banking, retail, defence and other sectors (company website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://quantrium.ai/contact",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "ramco-systems",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/ramco-systems/",
   "name": "Ramco Systems",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "A Chennai-headquartered maker of ERP, global payroll and aviation maintenance software that builds AI and machine learning features and AI agents into its products.",
   "website": "https://www.ramco.com",
   "founded": 1997,
   "notable": "Part of the Ramco Group; began as Ramco Industries' R&D division in 1992 (Wikipedia).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Wikipedia",
   "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramco_Systems",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "rbcdsai-iit-madras",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras",
   "type": "lab",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Research",
   "description": "An interdisciplinary research centre at IIT Madras that applies data science and AI to problems in areas such as healthcare, and offers internships and fellowships to students.",
   "website": "https://rbcdsai.iitm.ac.in",
   "founded": 2019,
   "notable": "Inaugurated on 6 Feb 2019 by Robert Bosch GmbH CTO Michael Bolle (centre website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Centre website",
   "source_url": "https://rbcdsai.iitm.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "sastra-deemed-university",
   "page": null,
   "name": "SASTRA Deemed University",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Thanjavur",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Deemed university near Thanjavur that runs its own SASTRA.AI app for educators and students, and is hosting the AVARTA26 conference on VLSI design and AI solutions on 18 to 19 Dec 2026.",
   "website": "https://www.sastra.edu",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University website",
   "source_url": "https://www.sastra.edu/academics/sastra-ai.html",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "sathyabama-institute",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Deemed university in Chennai that offers a BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, BE specialisations in AI, AI and robotics, AI and machine learning and data science, and BSc degrees in data science.",
   "website": "https://www.sathyabama.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University website",
   "source_url": "https://www.sathyabama.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "sify-technologies",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/sify-technologies/",
   "name": "Sify Technologies",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "AI infrastructure",
   "description": "Chennai-headquartered data centre, cloud and network company. It offers NVIDIA DGX-ready data centre space with liquid cooling for companies running large AI systems.",
   "website": "https://www.sifytechnologies.com",
   "notable": "Founded and taken to IPO by R. Ramaraj (Wikipedia).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website; Wikipedia",
   "source_url": "https://www.sifytechnologies.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "solinas-integrity",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/solinas-integrity/",
   "name": "Solinas Integrity",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Water and sanitation",
   "description": "IIT Madras-incubated startup that uses robots and its Swasth AI software to inspect, clean and map water pipes, sewers and septic tanks, so that people do not have to enter them.",
   "website": "https://solinas.in",
   "founded": 2018,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 5.5 million Series A1 co-led by Mela Ventures and Hero Enterprise Family Office (2026)",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/solinas-integrity-snags-5-5-mn-to-scale-robotics-solutions-across-global-markets/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "sona-college-of-technology",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Sona College of Technology",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Salem",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Salem whose MCA department hosted AISCCT 2026, an international conference on AI in sustainable computing and communication technologies, on 4 to 5 Jun 2026.",
   "website": "https://www.sonatech.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.sonatech.ac.in/aiscct-26",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "speciale-invest",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Speciale Invest",
   "type": "investor",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Investment",
   "description": "Early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Chennai and Bengaluru that backs deep-tech founders, including in AI-led software and AI infrastructure.",
   "website": "https://www.specialeinvest.com",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Company website",
   "source_url": "https://www.specialeinvest.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "startuptn",
   "page": null,
   "name": "StartupTN (Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission)",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Startup support",
   "description": "The state's startup and innovation mission. It runs startup events, student programmes, pitch events and hackathons through regional hubs, and has a metro hub in Chennai.",
   "website": "https://startuptn.in",
   "notable": "Has regional hubs in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Erode, Salem, Hosur, Cuddalore and Thanjavur, with Coimbatore and Tiruchi announced (Inc42).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/tamil-nadu-to-set-up-two-new-regional-startup-hubs-in-coimbatore-tiruchi/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "superops",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/superops/",
   "name": "SuperOps",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Makes an IT management platform for managed service providers and IT teams in which AI agents handle routine IT work within limits the team sets. Based in Chennai and Dallas.",
   "website": "https://superops.com",
   "founded": 2020,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 25 million Series C led by March Capital (2025); USD 54.4 million in total",
   "notable": "Founded by Arvind Parthiban and Jayakumar Karumbasalam (Inc42).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://inc42.com/buzz/superops-bags-25-mn-to-simplify-it-workflow-automation/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "tce-tbi",
   "page": null,
   "name": "TCE Technology Business Incubator (TCE TBI)",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Madurai",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "Startup incubator at Thiagarajar College of Engineering that supports student, faculty and alumni startups with space, mentoring, pre-incubation and co-incubation with IIT Madras.",
   "website": "https://www.tce.edu/tbi",
   "notable": "TCE says its TBI has nurtured 12 startups, including EVVI Solutions and Aura MEP (college website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.tce.edu/tbi",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "the-chennai-angels",
   "page": null,
   "name": "The Chennai Angels (TCA)",
   "type": "investor",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Investment",
   "description": "Angel investor network in Chennai whose members invest in and mentor early-stage startups across sectors.",
   "website": "https://thechennaiangels.com",
   "notable": "Says it has funded more than 80 startups (TCA website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "TCA website",
   "source_url": "https://thechennaiangels.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "thiagarajar-college-of-engineering",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Madurai",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Engineering college in Madurai that offers a five-year MSc in Data Science and, since 2024, runs a Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Tamil and AI Research for Innovation (MuthirAI) that builds Tamil datasets and AI models.",
   "website": "https://www.tce.edu",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "College website",
   "source_url": "https://www.tce.edu/nodal-centre/centres-excellence",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "tiger-analytics",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/tiger-analytics/",
   "name": "Tiger Analytics",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Data analytics",
   "description": "An AI and analytics services firm that started in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its founder said in 2017 that its primary delivery centre is in Chennai. It builds data science and AI systems for enterprise clients.",
   "website": "https://www.tigeranalytics.com",
   "notable": "Founder Mahesh Kumar said the firm's primary delivery centre is in Chennai (Analytics Vidhya interview, 2017).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Analytics Vidhya",
   "source_url": "https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2017/04/interview-with-mahesh-kumar-ceo-tiger-analytics/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "tn-emerging-sector-seed-fund",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF)",
   "type": "investor",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Investment",
   "description": "State-backed fund, listed by TIDCO, that invests equity in startups in sunrise and emerging sectors, usually Rs 3 to 10 crore per round and up to Rs 1 crore for early-stage firms.",
   "website": "https://tidco.com/emargingsector.php",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "TIDCO website",
   "source_url": "https://tidco.com/emargingsector.php",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "uniphore",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/uniphore/",
   "name": "Uniphore",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Started in Chennai in 2008 with conversational AI for customer service, and now sells a Business AI Cloud that brings together data, models and AI agents. Its headquarters is now in Palo Alto, California.",
   "website": "https://www.uniphore.com",
   "founded": 2008,
   "funding_text": "Raised Rs 2,288 crore with NVIDIA, AMD, Snowflake and Databricks among investors (2025)",
   "notable": "Founded by Umesh Sachdev and Ravi Saraogi, with early support from IIT Madras (Wikipedia).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Dinamalar",
   "source_url": "https://www.dinamalar.com/news/kalvimalar-news-en/chennai-ai-startup-unifor-raises-rs-2288-crore-in-funding/57718",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "vit-tbi",
   "page": null,
   "name": "VIT Technology Business Incubator (VITTBI)",
   "type": "incubator",
   "city": "Vellore",
   "sector": "Incubation",
   "description": "Technology business incubator on the VIT Vellore campus that gives startups space, seed support and mentoring, and also runs a bio-incubation centre.",
   "website": "https://vittbi.com",
   "notable": "Former incubatee insideFPV raised Rs 6 crore pre-Series A led by GVFL in Jan 2026 (VITTBI website).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "VITTBI website",
   "source_url": "https://vittbi.com/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "vit-vellore",
   "page": null,
   "name": "Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)",
   "type": "college",
   "city": "Vellore",
   "sector": "Education",
   "description": "Private university in Vellore, with a second campus in Chennai, that offers BTech specialisations in AI and machine learning, AI and data engineering and data science, plus an MTech in AI and Machine Learning and an MSc in Data Science.",
   "website": "https://vit.ac.in",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "University website",
   "source_url": "https://vit.ac.in/",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "vue-ai",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/vue-ai/",
   "name": "Vue.ai (Mad Street Den)",
   "type": "startup",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Computer vision and AI company started in Chennai in 2013 that sells Vue.ai, an enterprise AI platform for retail, insurance and other businesses. In 2025 Chennai fintech M2P agreed to buy its technology, contracts and staff.",
   "website": "https://www.vue.ai",
   "founded": 2013,
   "funding_text": "Raised USD 17 million Series B led by Falcon Edge Capital (2019); USD 27.5 million in total at the time",
   "notable": "M2P Fintech agreed to acquire Mad Street Den's assets in a deal valued at about USD 15 million (YourStory, Mar 2025).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "YourStory; Inc42",
   "source_url": "https://yourstory.com/2025/03/chennai-banking-startup-m2p-fintech-ai-stack-mad-street-den-acquisition",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  },
  {
   "id": "zoho",
   "page": "https://thetn.ai/startups/zoho/",
   "name": "Zoho",
   "type": "company",
   "city": "Chennai",
   "sector": "Enterprise software",
   "description": "Chennai-headquartered maker of business software. It has built its own large language model, Zia LLM, plus speech-to-text models and ready-made AI agents for its apps.",
   "website": "https://www.zoho.com",
   "notable": "Zia LLM comes in three sizes of 1.3, 2.6 and 7 billion parameters (Outlook Business, Jul 2025).",
   "related_party": false,
   "source_name": "Outlook Business",
   "source_url": "https://www.outlookbusiness.com/corporate/ai-race-zoho-launches-its-own-llm-proprietary-models-for-speech-to-text-conversion",
   "verified_at": "2026-10-11"
  }
 ]
}