{ "dataset": "schemes", "title": "AI schemes and funds", "description": "State and central schemes that give AI founders, students and businesses money, compute or training, with status and eligibility.", "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": "AI schemes and funds, theTN.ai, https://thetn.ai/data/v1/schemes.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": "2026-10-26T22:51:11.385Z", "count": 26, "records": [ { "id": "aabcs", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/aabcs/", "title": "AABCS (Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme)", "run_by": "Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce (MSME Department)", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "msme" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "35% capital subsidy, up to Rs 1.5 crore, plus 6% interest subvention", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 150, "summary": "A state scheme launched in 2023 to help SC/ST entrepreneurs start or grow businesses. Both new and existing enterprises can apply.", "eligibility": [ "SC/ST entrepreneurs", "Age up to 55", "No minimum education required", "Manufacturing, service and trade projects; no ceiling on project cost" ], "how_to_apply": "Approach the District Industries Centre in your district, which helps with the project report and bank loan.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Terms from the MSME Department policy note 2024-25. Check for 2026 changes.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "TN MSME Department policy note 2024-25", "source_url": "https://tn.gov.in/rti/msme/msme_e_pn_2024_25.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "ai-industry-development-programme", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/ai-industry-development-programme/", "title": "AI Industry Development Programme (with IIT Madras)", "run_by": "Government of Tamil Nadu with IIT Madras", "level": "state", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "student" ], "need": "skills", "summary": "A plan announced in the Aug 2026 state budget to train 5 lakh young people in AI by 2031, with IIT Madras. It targets students in ITIs, polytechnics and engineering colleges.", "eligibility": [ "Students in ITIs, polytechnics and engineering colleges", "Detailed rules not yet published" ], "how_to_apply": "No enrolment process has been published yet.", "status": "Announced, not yet open", "status_note": "Announced in the budget on 5 Aug 2026.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "Outlook Business", "source_url": "https://www.outlookbusiness.com/news/free-laptops-to-ai-training-whats-in-tamil-nadus-big-youth-budget", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "aim-atal-incubation-centres", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/aim-atal-incubation-centres/", "title": "Atal Incubation Centres (Atal Innovation Mission)", "run_by": "Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog", "level": "central", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "skills", "summary": "Incubation centres backed by the Atal Innovation Mission that help startups grow with workspace, equipment, sector mentors and access to seed capital. Many centres focus on one sector, such as health, energy or IoT.", "eligibility": [ "Innovative startups that want to build scalable, sustainable businesses", "Many centres take startups in one sector, such as health, energy, agriculture or IoT" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply directly to an Atal Incubation Centre; the AIM website lists them.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Startups apply to individual centres; AIM's own call for new centres is separate.", "apply_url": "https://aim.gov.in/aic.php", "related_party": false, "source_name": "Atal Innovation Mission", "source_url": "https://aim.gov.in/atal-incubation-centres.php", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "birac-big", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/birac-big/", "title": "BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)", "run_by": "BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology", "level": "central", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 50 lakh grant for up to 18 months", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 50, "summary": "An early-stage grant to turn a biotech idea into a proof of concept. BIRAC welcomes proposals that mix biotech with AI, sensors or robotics, for health, agriculture and similar fields.", "eligibility": [ "Company or LLP registered in India, not more than 5 years old at the call launch", "At least 51% owned by resident Indian citizens", "Has its own lab or is incubated at an incubator", "Led by a Project Leader who is a shareholder and at least a graduate", "BIG support is given only once per startup" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply online on the BIRAC portal when a call opens.", "status": "Runs in editions", "status_note": "Calls open on 1 Jan and 1 Jul and usually stay open about 45 days.", "apply_url": "https://birac.nic.in/big.php", "related_party": false, "source_name": "BIRAC", "source_url": "https://birac.nic.in/big.php", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "cgss", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/cgss/", "title": "Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)", "run_by": "DPIIT, through NCGTC", "level": "central", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Guarantee cover of up to Rs 20 crore per borrower", "summary": "A government guarantee that makes it easier for banks, NBFCs and venture debt funds to lend to DPIIT-recognised startups. The startup gets the loan; the guarantee goes to the lender.", "eligibility": [ "DPIIT-recognised startup", "Not in default to any lender and not a bad loan (NPA)", "Eligibility certified by the lending institution" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply online on the Jan Samarth portal, or ask a member bank, NBFC or fund directly.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Revised framework raised the cap from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore per borrower.", "apply_url": "https://www.jansamarth.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "Startup India", "source_url": "https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/credit-guarantee-scheme-for-startups.html", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "indiaai-compute-portal", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/indiaai-compute-portal/", "title": "IndiaAI Compute Portal (GPU access)", "run_by": "IndiaAI Mission, MeitY", "level": "central", "kind": "Compute", "for": [ "founder", "student", "msme" ], "need": "compute", "summary": "A national portal where startups, students, researchers and MSMEs can rent cloud GPUs at subsidised rates. Users ask for compute with a draft bill, including a subsidy request.", "eligibility": [ "Startups and MSMEs: DPIIT recognition, AI/ML experience, and Rs 50 lakh revenue or Rs 1 crore funding", "Students with AI/ML projects and a matching academic profile", "Early-stage startups with 4 years of AI/ML experience and an approval letter", "Researchers meeting h-index, publication or citation thresholds", "IndiaAI fellows and government bodies" ], "how_to_apply": "Log in to the IndiaAI Compute Portal with DigiLocker, e-Pramaan or Jan Parichay, register, then request compute.", "status": "Open", "status_note": "Portal lists empanelled GPU providers and accepts requests year-round.", "apply_url": "https://compute.indiaai.gov.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "IndiaAI Compute Portal", "source_url": "https://compute.indiaai.gov.in/", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "indiaai-phd-fellowship", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/indiaai-phd-fellowship/", "title": "IndiaAI Research Fellowship for PhD scholars", "run_by": "IndiaAI Mission, MeitY", "level": "central", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "student" ], "need": "skills", "amount_text": "Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 a month, plus a Rs 2 lakh yearly research grant", "summary": "A fellowship for full-time PhD scholars doing AI research, under the IndiaAI FutureSkills pillar. It gives up to five years of support, plus up to Rs 1 lakh for presenting work abroad.", "eligibility": [ "Full-time PhD scholars working on AI or its uses", "Nominated by their institute", "Support for up to five years" ], "how_to_apply": "Institutes nominate scholars through the IndiaAI fellowship portal.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Institutes nominate scholars. Check the fellowship portal for the current round.", "apply_url": "https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/login", "related_party": false, "source_name": "IndiaAI", "source_url": "https://d12aarmt01l54a.cloudfront.net/cms/files/guidelines-for-phd-fellowships/1756124231.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "itnt-beacon-pre-incubation", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/itnt-beacon-pre-incubation/", "title": "iTNT Hub BEACON pre-incubation bootcamp", "run_by": "iTNT Hub", "level": "state", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "founder", "student" ], "need": "skills", "summary": "A four-day, in-person bootcamp that helps people test and sharpen a startup idea. Strong teams can move on to iTNT's PATHFINDER incubation.", "eligibility": [ "Individuals with a startup idea", "Teams with a promising technical concept", "Early-stage startups refining their approach", "Researchers who want to commercialise their IP" ], "how_to_apply": "Register on the iTNT Hub pre-incubation page. Sessions run offline in Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Coimbatore.", "status": "Runs in editions", "status_note": "iTNT reports 10 cohorts and 145+ teams graduated.", "apply_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/pre-incubation.html", "related_party": false, "source_name": "iTNT Hub", "source_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/pre-incubation.html", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "itnt-foundation-fund", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/itnt-foundation-fund/", "title": "iTNT FOUNDATION Fund", "run_by": "iTNT Hub", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 40 lakh per venture", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 40, "summary": "iTNT Hub's seed fund for deep-tech and emerging-tech startups in Tamil Nadu, including AI/ML. It invests at pre-seed, seed and pre-Series A stage through equity or compulsorily convertible preference shares.", "eligibility": [ "Private limited company registered in Tamil Nadu (30 days allowed to convert)", "Works on new products or processes with strong job or wealth potential", "Not formed by splitting or rebuilding an existing business, and not a subsidiary or joint venture", "Indian startup with at least 51% held by Indian promoters" ], "how_to_apply": "There is no separate application: startups are considered through iTNT Hub's PATHFINDER incubation and iAccelerate programmes.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Launched at Umagine TN 2025; iTNT reports Rs 68 lakh disbursed to six startups.", "apply_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/incubation.html", "related_party": false, "source_name": "iTNT Hub", "source_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/foundation_fund.html", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "itnt-pathfinder-incubation", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/itnt-pathfinder-incubation/", "title": "iTNT Hub PATHFINDER incubation", "run_by": "iTNT Hub", "level": "state", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "skills", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 40 lakh in fund access", "summary": "A 12 to 18 month incubation programme for deep-tech and emerging-tech startups that already have a prototype. It offers mentors, lab access, investor links, IP help and four free co-working seats for six months.", "eligibility": [ "Technology startups at TRL 3 or above", "Have a working prototype, MVP or scalable product", "Deep-tech or emerging-tech ventures ready to scale" ], "how_to_apply": "Register on the iTNT Hub incubation page. Runs in Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Madurai, plus hybrid.", "status": "Runs in editions", "status_note": "iTNT reports 11 cohorts so far.", "apply_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/incubation.html", "related_party": false, "source_name": "iTNT Hub", "source_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/incubation.html", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "meity-samridh", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/meity-samridh/", "title": "SAMRIDH (MeitY Startup Accelerator)", "run_by": "MeitY Startup Hub", "level": "central", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "One-to-one matching funding of up to Rs 40 lakh", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 40, "summary": "A MeitY programme that funds selected accelerators to scale IT-based startups. Startups get acceleration support, customer and investor links, and matching funding.", "eligibility": [ "IT-based startups", "Selected by an accelerator chosen under SAMRIDH", "Startups ready to scale" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply to one of the accelerators selected under SAMRIDH; the list is on the MeitY Startup Hub site.", "status": "Runs in editions", "status_note": "Cohort 2 results are published on the MeitY Startup Hub site.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "MeitY Startup Hub", "source_url": "https://msh.meity.gov.in/schemes/samridh", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "needs", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/needs/", "title": "NEEDS (New Entrepreneur-cum-Enterprise Development Scheme)", "run_by": "Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce (MSME Department)", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "msme" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "25% capital subsidy, up to Rs 75 lakh, plus 3% interest subvention", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 75, "summary": "A state subsidy for educated first-generation entrepreneurs starting manufacturing or service units. Project costs can range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 5 crore.", "eligibility": [ "First-generation entrepreneurs", "Age 21 to 45 (general) or 21 to 55 (special categories)", "At least Higher Secondary pass", "Manufacturing or service projects only", "50% of benefits reserved for women and 19% for SC/ST" ], "how_to_apply": "Approach the District Industries Centre in your district, which helps with the project report and bank loan.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Terms from the MSME Department policy note 2024-25. Check for 2026 changes.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "TN MSME Department policy note 2024-25", "source_url": "https://tn.gov.in/rti/msme/msme_e_pn_2024_25.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "nidhi-prayas", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/nidhi-prayas/", "title": "NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0", "run_by": "Department of Science and Technology (DST)", "level": "central", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "student" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 20 lakh (PRAYAS Centres) or up to Rs 40 lakh for deep-tech (Advance PRAYAS Centres)", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 40, "summary": "A DST prototype grant for individual innovators and early startups, with lab access and mentors. The prototype must be a tangible, physical product grounded in science or technology.", "eligibility": [ "Individual innovator, or a startup up to 5 years old, at least 51% Indian-owned, with turnover under Rs 1 crore", "Prototype must be a physical product based on science or technology", "Applicants must be at least 18 and Indian citizens", "Students or employees need an NOC from their institution", "Can be used only once; total support capped at Rs 40 lakh" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply to a PRAYAS Centre or Advance PRAYAS Centre. Details are on the NIDHI PRAYAS website (nidhi-prayas.org).", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Version 2.0 guidelines published May 2026.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "DST NIDHI", "source_url": "https://nidhi.dst.gov.in/prayas2-0/", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "startup-data-server-scheme", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/startup-data-server-scheme/", "title": "Tamil Nadu Startup Data Server Services Scheme", "run_by": "ELCOT", "level": "state", "kind": "Compute", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "compute", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 5 lakh per startup per year, for up to 3 years", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 5, "summary": "Vouchers that pay for a startup's cloud, web hosting, compute and GPU services from MeitY-empanelled providers. ELCOT runs it with a Rs 10 crore budget for 2025-26.", "eligibility": [ "Startup registered in Tamil Nadu with StartupTN, iTNT Hub or ELCOT-STPI FinBlue", "Proposal must be vetted and recommended by that incubator", "Services must come from MeitY-empanelled data centre or cloud providers" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply through your incubator (StartupTN, iTNT Hub or ELCOT-STPI FinBlue), which recommends you to ELCOT for enrolment.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Rs 10 crore sanctioned for FY 2025-26 by G.O. 22 (25 Aug 2025). Ask your incubator about 2026-27.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "StartupTN (G.O. Ms. No. 22, IT&DS Dept)", "source_url": "https://startuptn.in/resource-page", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "startup-india-seed-fund", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/startup-india-seed-fund/", "title": "Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)", "run_by": "DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry", "level": "central", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 20 lakh as a grant; up to Rs 50 lakh as debt or convertible debentures", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 50, "summary": "Central seed money for early startups, paid through selected incubators, for proof of concept, prototypes, trials and market entry. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 945 crore.", "eligibility": [ "DPIIT-recognised startup, incorporated not more than 2 years before applying", "Uses technology in its core product, service or business model", "Has a product or service idea with market fit and room to scale", "Has not received more than Rs 10 lakh from other central or state schemes", "Individuals cannot apply; only registered startups" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply online on the SISFS portal and choose up to three incubators.", "status": "Closed", "status_note": "The portal's final extended date for startup applications was 31 May 2026.", "apply_url": "https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "Startup India Seed Fund portal", "source_url": "https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in/faq", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "state-gpu-cluster", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/state-gpu-cluster/", "title": "State GPU computing cluster", "run_by": "Department of AI, IT and Digital Services", "level": "state", "kind": "Compute", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "compute", "summary": "A Rs 10 crore government-owned GPU computing cluster, through which entrepreneurs will get AI services. It was announced with the state's Aug 2026 AI and deep-tech package.", "eligibility": [ "Meant for entrepreneurs; detailed rules not yet published" ], "how_to_apply": "No access process has been published yet.", "status": "Announced, not yet open", "status_note": "Announced Aug 2026. Implementing agency and access rules not yet published.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "YourStory", "source_url": "https://yourstory.com/2026/08/tn-launches-ai-deep-tech-push-with-new-initiatives", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "tanfund", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/tanfund/", "title": "TANFUND", "run_by": "StartupTN", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "summary": "An online platform from StartupTN that matches Tamil Nadu startups with investors. Partners include venture capital funds, angel networks, venture debt and government investment agencies.", "eligibility": [ "Startups based in Tamil Nadu", "Founder signs up on the TANFUND portal and submits an application", "Funding partners review the application, then may run due diligence" ], "how_to_apply": "Sign up as a founder on tanfund.in and submit your startup's application; it is passed to matching funding partners.", "status": "Open", "status_note": "Portal accepts founder sign-ups year-round.", "apply_url": "https://tanfund.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "TANFUND", "source_url": "https://tanfund.in/", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "tanseed", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/tanseed/", "title": "TANSEED (Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Fund)", "run_by": "StartupTN", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Up to Rs 15 lakh for green-tech, rural-impact and women-led startups; up to Rs 10 lakh for others", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 15, "summary": "StartupTN's seed fund for early-stage startups based in Tamil Nadu. The support is equity-linked: StartupTN takes a 3% stake in startups it backs.", "eligibility": [ "Startup registered in Tamil Nadu", "Listed with StartupTN and recognised by DPIIT", "Building something new with clear potential for jobs, social impact or wealth", "Money is for a prototype, a market-ready product or pilot production", "Not a spin-off, subsidiary or joint venture of another company, and not the Indian arm of a foreign firm" ], "how_to_apply": "Apply online through the StartupTN website when a new TANSEED edition is announced.", "status": "Runs in editions", "status_note": "TANSEED 8.0 took applications from 6 to 20 Dec 2025. No newer call found as of 11 Oct 2026.", "apply_url": "https://startuptn.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "Entrepreneur India", "source_url": "https://india.entrepreneur.com/?p=91183", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "tn-deeptech-startup-policy", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/tn-deeptech-startup-policy/", "title": "Tamil Nadu DeepTech Startup Policy 2025-26", "run_by": "iTNT Hub", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "student" ], "need": "money", "summary": "The state's deep-tech startup policy, released on 8 Jan 2026 with iTNT Hub as the nodal agency. It plans R&D and commercialisation grants, test beds, fellowships and government pilots for deep-tech startups.", "eligibility": [ "Aims to support 100 deep-tech startups", "Plans to train 10,000+ students and professionals in AI, ML, robotics and biotech", "Plans 10 research fellowships", "Plans test beds for at least 25 startups a year" ], "how_to_apply": "Register with iTNT Hub, the nodal agency. Specific grant calls under the policy are announced separately.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Released at Umagine TN on 8 Jan 2026. Individual schemes under it roll out over time.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "iTNT Hub", "source_url": "https://itnthub.tn.gov.in/deeptechpolicy.html", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "tn-emerging-sector-seed-fund", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/tn-emerging-sector-seed-fund/", "title": "Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF)", "run_by": "Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation (TNIFMC)", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "msme" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Typically Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore per investment", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 1000, "summary": "A government-backed venture capital fund that invests in growth-stage startups and MSMEs, mainly in Tamil Nadu. It invests through equity or convertible instruments.", "eligibility": [ "Companies in Tamil Nadu; open to many sectors", "Mostly growth-stage businesses", "Judged on founders' track record, growth prospects and a scalable business model", "Impact on Tamil Nadu's economy and ESG commitment also count" ], "how_to_apply": "Email the fund team at tnessf@tnifmc.com with your company details.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "SEBI-registered Category I venture capital fund managed by TNIFMC.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "TNIFMC", "source_url": "https://tnifmc.com/our-funds/", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "tn-sc-st-startup-fund", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/tn-sc-st-startup-fund/", "title": "Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund", "run_by": "StartupTN", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder" ], "need": "money", "summary": "A Rs 30 crore state corpus for startups founded by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs. Support can be equity, debt, grant or a mix, with most of the fund meant for equity.", "eligibility": [ "More than 50% of the company's equity held by SC/ST persons", "Control of the company rests with the SC/ST shareholders", "Company based in India, with India as its main base of operations", "Founders are natives of Tamil Nadu or of Tamil origin; a base in Tamil Nadu gets preference", "Must meet the state's definition of a startup" ], "how_to_apply": "StartupTN invites applications through public calls and processes them in batches until the corpus is used up. Watch startuptn.in for the call.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Set up by G.O. 49 (6 Jul 2022). No open call date found as of 11 Oct 2026.", "apply_url": "https://startuptn.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "StartupTN (G.O. Ms. No. 49, MSME Dept)", "source_url": "https://startuptn.in/resource-page", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "uyegp", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/uyegp/", "title": "UYEGP (Unemployed Youth Employment Generation Programme)", "run_by": "Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce (MSME Department)", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "msme" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "25% subsidy, up to Rs 3.75 lakh", "amount_max_inr_lakh": 3.75, "summary": "A state subsidy that helps educated young people start small self-employment ventures. The policy note describes it as a scheme for micro trading activities, with projects up to Rs 15 lakh.", "eligibility": [ "Age 18 to 45 (general) or 18 to 55 (special categories)", "At least 8th standard pass", "Trading activities only", "Project cost up to Rs 15 lakh" ], "how_to_apply": "Approach the District Industries Centre in your district, which helps with the project report and bank loan.", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Terms from the MSME Department policy note 2024-25. Check for 2026 changes.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "TN MSME Department policy note 2024-25", "source_url": "https://tn.gov.in/rti/msme/msme_e_pn_2024_25.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "vetri-ai-centres-of-excellence", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/vetri-ai-centres-of-excellence/", "title": "Vetri Tamil Nadu AI Centres of Excellence", "run_by": "ELCOT", "level": "state", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "founder", "student" ], "need": "skills", "summary": "A Rs 20 crore programme to set up AI Centres of Excellence through ELCOT. It was announced in Aug 2026; who can use the centres has not been spelled out.", "eligibility": [ "Not yet published" ], "how_to_apply": "No application process has been published yet.", "status": "Announced, not yet open", "status_note": "Announced in the Assembly in Aug 2026. Locations and access rules not yet published.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "YourStory", "source_url": "https://yourstory.com/2026/08/tn-launches-ai-deep-tech-push-with-new-initiatives", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "vetri-deep-tech-innovation-fund", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/vetri-deep-tech-innovation-fund/", "title": "Vetri Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Innovation Fund", "run_by": "iTNT Hub", "level": "state", "kind": "Funding", "for": [ "founder", "student" ], "need": "money", "amount_text": "Initial corpus of Rs 50 crore", "summary": "A new state fund for deep-tech work such as machine learning, language models, chips, robotics and advanced materials. A quarter of it is set aside for SC/ST founders.", "eligibility": [ "Startups, researchers, inventors and doctoral scholars", "Working in deep-tech fields such as machine learning, language models, chips or robotics", "25% of the fund reserved for SC/ST founders" ], "how_to_apply": "No application process has been published yet. iTNT Hub will run it; watch itnthub.tn.gov.in.", "status": "Announced, not yet open", "status_note": "Announced in the Assembly in Aug 2026. No guidelines or window found as of 11 Oct 2026.", "related_party": false, "source_name": "YourStory", "source_url": "https://yourstory.com/2026/08/tn-launches-ai-deep-tech-push-with-new-initiatives", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "vettri-skill-training-scheme", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/vettri-skill-training-scheme/", "title": "Vettri Skill Training Scheme", "run_by": "Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (Naan Mudhalvan portal)", "level": "state", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "student" ], "need": "skills", "summary": "The state's skill-training scheme for college students and young job seekers. It was formerly called Naan Mudhalvan and was renamed by the new government in 2026.", "eligibility": [ "College students in Tamil Nadu", "Unemployed young people", "The state says it is training 12 lakh students and 1 lakh youth" ], "how_to_apply": "Training runs through the Naan Mudhalvan portal (naanmudhalvan.tn.gov.in).", "status": "Running", "status_note": "Renamed from Naan Mudhalvan in 2026; the portal still uses the old name.", "apply_url": "https://naanmudhalvan.tn.gov.in/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "ThePrint", "source_url": "https://theprint.in/politics/hits-misses-criticism-100-day-report-card-of-vijays-tvk-govt-in-tamil-nadu/3019069/", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" }, { "id": "yuva-ai-for-all", "page": "https://thetn.ai/schemes/yuva-ai-for-all/", "title": "YUVA AI for ALL course", "run_by": "IndiaAI Mission, MeitY", "level": "central", "kind": "Skills", "for": [ "student", "founder", "msme" ], "need": "skills", "summary": "A six-module AI literacy course from IndiaAI covering AI basics, uses, ethics and prompting. Modules are on YouTube; a certificate comes from finishing it on FutureSkills Prime.", "eligibility": [ "Open to anyone; no AI background needed" ], "how_to_apply": "Take the course on FutureSkills Prime for a certificate, or watch the modules on the IndiaAI YouTube channel.", "status": "Open", "status_note": "Course is live on FutureSkills Prime.", "apply_url": "https://www.futureskillsprime.in/course/yuva-ai-for-all/", "related_party": false, "source_name": "IndiaAI", "source_url": "https://indiaai.gov.in/article/yuvaai-for-all-course", "verified_at": "2026-10-11" } ] }