StartupTN, supported by the Tamil Nadu government, has introduced the Smart Card initiative and other innovative programs to assist early-stage entrepreneurs in establishing their startups, according to a PTI report. The goal is to cultivate a dynamic startup ecosystem in the state, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship-driven employment and economic development.
The Smart Card initiative offers a range of subsidized products and services to entrepreneurs, covering areas such as legal and compliance, marketing, business consulting, finance, insurance, software, and information technology.
Recently, Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises T M Anbarasan unveiled the Smart Cards at an event and distributed 10 Smart Cards to startups. Additionally, StartupTN has partnered with various organizations to provide a diverse array of products and services at reduced rates, supporting budding entrepreneurs with essential resources.
During the event, the MSME Minister also gave away sanction orders to four startups run by entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, amounting to INR 9.05 crore under the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund as equity investment. He also launched products and services of 20 startups run by women entrepreneurs under the Women Launchpad initiative. LaunchPad is a platform designed to help startups gain initial offline and online market traction for their new brands and products on a public forum.
Reportedly, Mr. Anbarasan launched the Open Innovation portal, aimed at connecting corporations and government agencies with innovators, startups and researchers. They can take up the problem statements/challenges posted by corporates and government agencies and come up with innovative solutions.
