More than 15 start-up founders from Tamil Nadu got an opportunity to present their innovations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Chennai Metro Rail ride with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on October 11, 2026. The entrepreneurs shared details of their ventures while travelling on the newly inaugurated Porur Bypass–Poonamallee stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II.
The interaction brought attention to emerging technology companies working in areas such as geospatial analytics, airport operations, satellite systems and aviation technology. The founders explained how their solutions could support infrastructure monitoring, improve airport efficiency and strengthen India’s domestic technology capabilities.
Vignesh Kandasamy, founder and CEO of Tirunelveli-based Thazhal Geospatial Analytics, presented the company’s satellite-based solutions for tracking construction progress, delays and risks. The technology can also support road and bridge monitoring. The company has worked with the Tamil Nadu government on mangrove assessment and lake monitoring.
Suseendar Marimuthu, CEO of Chennai-based Blunav, discussed AI-powered airport operations management and passenger-processing solutions. The conversation covered airport efficiency, accessibility, data sovereignty and the development of indigenous aviation technology. Blunav has implemented its ground operations management solution at Chennai International Airport and was recognised through an Airports Authority of India start-up initiative.
Ramesh Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Grahaa Space, presented the company’s work on earth-observation nano-satellites. He shared details of its SOLARAS satellite, which was deployed in low Earth orbit, and the company’s plans to build a constellation capable of providing near-real-time geospatial video data. Modi encouraged the company to contribute to India’s growing space economy and expressed support for emerging sectors such as space technology.
The metro ride was part of Modi’s Chennai visit, during which he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth more than ₹13,000 crore, including the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II.
The interaction offered start-up founders a platform to explain how homegrown technologies could address practical challenges across infrastructure, aviation and space. It also highlighted the role of Tamil Nadu’s start-up ecosystem in developing solutions for public services and industry.
