PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, expressed the government’s commitment to implementing equitable access and social justice in the startup and innovation ecosystem. Initiatives include targeted funds for SC/ST entrepreneurs and women. He commended IIT Madras for its innovation and incubation ecosystem and acknowledged the importance of research and thought leadership in the Indian startup ecosystem. Thiagarajan highlighted Tamil Nadu’s track record in education and talent creation as a foundation for success in adapting to technological advancements and global opportunities.