"TN to Build 2 Million Sq Ft AI-Focused IT Hub in Coimbatore via PPP Model".

The Tamil Nadu government is set to establish a 2 million sq ft IT hub in Coimbatore through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Chief Minister MK Stalin announced during his inaugural address at the Umagine TN 2025 IT Summit on Thursday. AI is one of the priority sectors for the State’s growth strategy.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in the IT sector, the Chief Minister emphasized the State’s proactive approach to fostering emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Electric Vehicles (EVs). “The number of Global Capability Centres in the State has risen under our administration, but we need to aim even higher. Tamil Nadu must continue to lead in motivating business and entrepreneurship,” he stated.

Stalin underscored the importance of balanced regional development, asserting that economic growth should not be confined to the capital city. “True development must be equitable and comprehensive. This is why Tamil Nadu is creating opportunities for youth in Chennai and other cities, ensuring they can find employment within their localities,” he said.

He recalled the establishment of Tidel Park in Chennai in 1999 by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and noted the State’s progression to the next phase of IT development. The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) has established technology parks and mini technology parks in tier-II and tier-III cities, including Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, Trichy, Hosur, Tirunelveli, Vellore, Villupuram, and Thoothukudi.

Acknowledging the digital age, Stalin stressed the need for accessible and secure digital technologies. “Digital tools must be simple and user-friendly while incorporating robust security measures to prevent irregularities. As digital crime increases, it is imperative to strengthen technologies to counter such threats,” he added.

State IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan outlined the Chief Minister’s vision of making Tamil Nadu a global hub for human resources. He highlighted the success of the government’s Naan Mudhalvan scheme, which has benefited tens of thousands of students.

“Tamil Nadu is unmatched in producing technology professionals. The State contributes 20% of India’s engineering and technology workforce, leads the country in patent filings, and accounts for 75% of deep tech and innovation-related patents filed in Chennai alone,” the minister noted.

“Unlike other Indian tech hubs such as Bengaluru, Pune, or Delhi, Tamil Nadu’s IT workforce predominantly comprises individuals of Tamil origin. This reflects the State’s robust capacity to generate and sustain its own talent pool,” he said.

C Vijayakumar, CEO and MD of HCL Technologies, highlighted Tamil Nadu’s strategic importance to the company. “Tamil Nadu is integral to our operations, with significant presence in Chennai and Madurai. Of our global workforce of 220,000, around 160,000 are in India, with more than a third based in Tamil Nadu. Many of them were born, raised, and educated here,” he stated.

Vijayakumar also praised Tamil Nadu’s diverse industrial landscape. “The State is a hub for IT, manufacturing, professional services, financial services, agriculture, and horticulture. Tamil Nadu has created an enabling environment for growth across sectors and executed it exceptionally well,” he added.

HBL