Tamil Nadu Startup & Innovation Mission (TANSIM / StartupTN) · MSME Department
Tamil Nadu Startup & Innovation Mission (TANSIM / StartupTN) · MSME Department
Tamil Nadu Startup & Innovation Mission (TANSIM), SIDCO Corporate Office, 19-A, Rukmini Lakshmipathi Salai, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008
Special seed fund for startups led by SC/ST founders. Promotes inclusive entrepreneurship. Grant amounts and quantum based on TANSIM assessment. The TN SC/ST Startup Fund is a targeted entrepreneurship support initiative launched to encourage innovation and startup creation among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu.
The program focuses on inclusive economic development and aims to ensure underrepresented communities gain access to startup capital, mentorship, and incubation resources.
Objectives
Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Encourage startup participation from marginalised communities.
Economic Empowerment
Enable SC/ST founders to create sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.
Innovation Promotion
Support innovative startups in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, services, and social impact sectors.
Social Equity
Reduce financial and ecosystem barriers faced by underrepresented founders.
Financial Support
Funding support varies based on:
Startup stage.
Innovation potential.
Scalability.
Market opportunity.
Assessment by TANSIM or authorised agencies.
The support can include:
Seed grants.
Prototype support.
Product development funding.
Business expansion assistance.
Ecosystem Support
Mentorship
Guidance from:
Industry experts.
Successful entrepreneurs.
Startup ecosystem leaders.
Incubation Support
Access to:
Incubators.
Co-working spaces.
Startup labs.
Technical infrastructure.
Business Development Assistance
Support in:
Marketing.
Customer acquisition.
Financial planning.
Business strategy.
Investor Access
Eligible startups may receive opportunities to pitch to:
Angel investors.
Government-backed funds.
Venture capital firms.
Eligibility Criteria
Typically includes:
Startup must have SC/ST founder(s).
DPIIT-recognised startup preferred.
Innovation/scalability potential.
Registered business entity.
Importance of the Scheme
This scheme plays a major role in:
Expanding diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Encouraging first-generation entrepreneurs.
Increasing startup participation from rural and underserved regions.
More than 50% equity held by SC/ST founder(s); registered with TANSIM; conforms to Tamil Nadu Startup & Innovation Policy definition; not purely service-oriented.
Apply through the StartupTN portal. Submit caste certificate, business plan, and proof of TANSIM/DPIIT registration.