Rajaa, who was talking on the ‘Tamil Nadu Startup Thiruvizha 2023’ in Coimbatore, stated the state isn’t just a pacesetter in textiles, however within the automotive and electronics sector too. He stated electronics exports from the state within the final one 12 months has risen to $5.37 billion.
The occasion was organised by StartupTN, Tamil Nadu’s nodal company for Startup and Innovation.
“(In) EVs, we are already big and are growing exponentially,” he stated. “We have (about) 450 charging stations in Tamil Nadu (and 6,500 in India, as of March 2023), but by 2030 (India) is expected to have 1.3 million charging stations,” Rajaa stated. “It is such a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).”
He additionally stated there’s a big alternative in battery recycling, which may develop to 128 GWh by 2030. “We need to work on the entire EV ecosystem as one family,” Rajaa stated.
StartupTN Mission director and CEO Sivarajah Ramanathan advised ET that the EV alternative is exclusive as it’s a sector that’s seeing loads of exercise from startups. He stated within the case of EVs, there’s a connection between startups, MSMEs and large-scale industries and, therefore, it’s one space that the company is specializing in.
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It was solely final month that StartupTN, together with funding promotion company Guidance TN and different stakeholders launched the Automotive, Electric Vehicle (EV) and Smart Mobility Forum for the state’s startups.The discussion board is the primary such strategic fora to convey collectively sectoral startups, innovators, corporates, consultants, trade our bodies, aspirants, incubators, mentors, buyers, authorities departments and different stakeholders for centered collaborations to make Tamil Nadu a pacesetter within the sector.
Ramanathan stated the opposite areas that the physique was pertained to the round economic system and local weather motion. Further, deep tech and social impression startups which have themes round local weather motion and rural livelihood upliftment would even be those who StartupTN might be eager on.
“Women-led startups are also a focus point for the mission. We are also making sure that people don’t misuse it by laying down clauses that the CEO should be a woman and hold 75% stake,” he stated. “Even when it comes to SC/ST entrepreneurs, if they hold 51% (of the stake), we invest in equity. These are the inclusive development initiatives.”
On new alternatives, Rajaa stated that Tamil Nadu has acquired the primary widespread drone testing facility within the nation.
“Drone tech by 2030 is expected to be a $25-billion value industry, where drone servicing alone will be around $4 billion,” he stated. “Look at the niche sectors we are creating.”
Tamil Nadu Startup Thiruvizha 2023 started with a video deal with from chief minister MK Stalin and noticed participation from the minister for MSMEs, TM Anbarasan.
The two-day conference will function greater than 50 audio system, together with startup ecosystem leaders, material consultants, and heads of state startup missions in India and authorities officers. There may also be an expo which is able to showcase greater than 450 stalls and also will have pitching periods, the place startups may have an opportunity to impress angel buyers and enterprise capital funds. Provisions have additionally been made to facilitate one-on-one interactions between startups, buyers and different stakeholders.
Ramanathan stated that StartupTN has established regional hubs within the state and can proceed to broaden the footprint of those centres.
“Last year, we started physical hubs in Madurai, Tirunelveli and Erode. This financial year, we are extending this to places like Salem, Hosur and Thanjavur. Subsequently, we will look at expanding in Coimbatore and Trichy,” he stated. “Broadly, we are looking at having 10 regional hubs this year.”
(The writer was in Coimbatore on the invitation of StartupTN)
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com