Context:
Instilling entrepreneurial education at the school level is key to shaping the future. Educational institutions have a pivotal role in providing early exposure to creative thinking among students, said experts in a session organised at The Hindu-Tamil Nadu Startup Summit 2025 held in Chennai.
Key Themes from the Panel
1. The Case for Inclusive Policy: More Than a Moral Imperative
“We must build ecosystems where no innovator is left behind — not by gender, not by ability.”
– Prateek Madhav, AssisTech Foundation
Tamil Nadu’s start-up landscape has seen exponential growth, but lacks a formal inclusion policy
Call to action: Embed inclusion and assistive tech into the state’s start-up policy framework
2. Assistive Technology: A Sector with Impact and Promise
India now boasts 500+ assistive technology start-ups, many from Tamil Nadu
These ventures are empowering people with disabilities, enhancing access and independence
Madhav noted that persons with disabilities contribute up to 7% of India’s GDP — an economic force not to be overlooked
What Tamil Nadu Needs Now
- Inclusive Policy Framework: Formal recognition and support for disability-tech, gender equity, and minority-led start-ups
- Academic-Industry Bridges: Funding and mentorship for student and faculty innovations
- Deep Tech Support: Infrastructure and investment for research-led start-ups, especially those in manufacturing and healthcare tech
- Gender Equity: Programs and networks that support women entrepreneurs in scaling innovative ventures
To lead the next wave of start-up innovation, Tamil Nadu must think beyond valuation and growth. It must invest in inclusive innovation, policy-backed ecosystems, and diverse leadership. The message from Chennai is clear: Inclusion is not a footnote; it is the future.
