TN Pushes AI, Digital Governance And High-Speed Connectivity

 Tamil Nadu has outlined an ambitious technology roadmap for 2026-27, focusing on artificial intelligence, digital governance, cybersecurity, high-speed connectivity, deep-tech innovation and technology-driven employment.

Addressing the Assembly Dr. Kumar R., Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services, said the State Government is focusing on strengthening Tamil Nadu’s technology ecosystem through artificial intelligence, digital governance, cybersecurity, high-speed connectivity, deep-tech innovation and technology-driven employment.

Tabling the Policy Note for 2026-27, he said Tamil Nadu remains one of India’s leading IT destinations, with IT exports exceeding Rs.2.5 lakh crore annually and the sector providing direct and indirect employment to more than 20 lakh people. The State is also expanding IT infrastructure beyond Chennai into Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

A major thrust during the year will be strengthening the Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Mission (TNAIM), established in 2024. The mission is being expanded to cover AI, quantum technology, AVGC-XR, deep tech and other emerging technologies, with applications in health, agriculture, education, citizen services, urban administration and social welfare.

The policy proposes dedicated Centres of Excellence for innovation, research, skill development, technology adoption and industry collaboration. A Tamil Nadu AI Centre of Excellence is proposed to be established by ELCOT, with TNeGA, ELCOT, TIDCO and IIT Madras involved in the wider initiative.

The government is also putting safeguards around the use of AI. AI systems will be assessed through the TAM-DEF framework and deployed under the DEEP-MAX Scorecard. Citizens affected by AI-assisted government decisions will have the right to know that AI was used, receive a written explanation in Tamil or English and seek review by a designated human officer.

Cybersecurity remains another priority. TN-CERT has identified more than 1,500 vulnerabilities, handled over 475 cybersecurity incidents, conducted more than 130 awareness and capacity-building programmes and trained over 3,200 government officials between September 2020 and July 2026.

Digital governance is being expanded through e-Office, TNGIS and citizen-centric platforms. As of the policy note, 65,95,723 e-files had been created across configured government offices, while the State’s official e-mail service supported approximately 2.25 lakh users.

The State is simultaneously advancing digital inclusion through TANFINET. As of August 13, 2026, 12,152 of the proposed 12,525 Gram Panchayats under BharatNet had been commissioned, achieving 97 per cent of the targeted coverage.

The policy also highlights support for startups. Under the Tamil Nadu Startup Data Server Services Scheme, 75 startups have received benefits amounting to Rs.1.80 crore, with eligible startups able to receive financial assistance of up to Rs.5 lakh a year for data-centre services.

With AI, cybersecurity, connectivity, skilling and deep-tech innovation being pursued together, the government has positioned technology as a key driver of inclusive growth and a digitally empowered Tamil Nadu.

Important points

IT exports: Tamil Nadu’s IT exports exceed Rs.2.5 lakh crore annually.

Employment: The IT sector provides direct and indirect employment to more than 20 lakh people.

TNAIM expansion: The Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Mission is being expanded to cover AI, quantum technology, AVGC-XR, deep tech and emerging technologies.

AI applications: Priority areas include health, agriculture, education, citizen services, urban administration and social welfare.

Centres of Excellence: Dedicated centres will focus on innovation, research, skill development, technology adoption and industry collaboration.

Tamil Nadu AI Centre: ELCOT is proposed to establish a Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence.

AI safeguards: Government AI systems will undergo assessment through the TAM-DEF framework and DEEP-MAX Scorecard.

Citizen protection: Citizens can know when AI is used in government decisions, seek written explanations and request human review.

Cybersecurity: TN-CERT has identified more than 1,500 vulnerabilities and handled over 475 cybersecurity incidents.

Cyber training: More than 3,200 government officials have been trained in cybersecurity.

e-Office: More than 65.95 lakh e-files have been created across configured government offices.

Official e-mail: Tamil Nadu’s government e-mail service supports approximately 2.25 lakh users.

BharatNet: 12,152 of the proposed 12,525 Gram Panchayats had been commissioned as of August 13, 2026.

Startup support: 75 startups have received Rs.1.80 crore under the Tamil Nadu Startup Data Server Services Scheme.

Deep-tech ecosystem: The State is strengthening innovation, skilling, infrastructure and AI deployment through institutions including iTNT, ICT Academy, ELCOT and TNeGA