Startup TN: Startup Tn Plans 500 Venture Studios: CEO Sivarajah Ramanathan |

Madurai: Startup TN I plan to set up 500 venture studies train entrepreneurs about startups in the next three years, mission director and CEO, Sivarajah Ramanathanhe said on Wednesday.
Ramanathan opened a business studio Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry here. The studio will facilitate young people and entrepreneurs start-ups through programs such as mentoring, training courses and pitch desks to obtain financing. Focus areas will include IT and hi-tech, agri- and food start-ups, manufacturing, infrastructure, fin-tech, and retail and e-commerce.
Addressing the audience, Ramanathan said that only 2% of people make the world go round and they are entrepreneurs. Developed countries have better percentages of entrepreneurs while India is catching up. He spoke about the need for the youth to adapt to change and maintain a constant curiosity to learn in this fast-changing world, especially when technology and AI are developing very fast.
“A startup is about finding a need and coming up with innovative ideas that will allow you to provide solutions by connecting the dots,” he said, explaining how the food aggregation company came to be.
He also explained to the youth why Tamil Nadu is the best place for startups as the state has made leaps and bounds in industrialisation, adding 38,000 industries to its roster. The state is topping all development parameters, with the highest enrolment rate and the highest number of educational institutions assessed by NIRF. “We will regret a decade later if we do not catch up with this conducive climate and grow startups,” he said.
The business studio’s CEO, SP Varadarajan, said there are excellent companies in Madurai, including listed companies and business pillars. They will be roped in for mentoring entrepreneurs. The studio will also provide co-working space, networking and funding for startups.
Chamber President N. Jegatheesan explained how the trade organisation supports various platforms to promote trade and industry in the city.