Chennai Startup Ecosystem: AI, DeepTech & Web3 at Binance Blockchain Yatra 2025

Chennai is no longer just India’s IT hub—it’s fast becoming the country’s DeepTech lab. At the Binance Blockchain Yatra 2025 – Chennai, curated and knowledge-partnered by TICE, top founders, technologists, and ecosystem leaders decoded how Tamil Nadu is powering India’s AI, Web3, and Industry 5.0 revolution.

Moderated by Kushal Manupati from Binance, Session Two — “Chennai: Leading India’s Tech Frontier with AI, DeepTech, and Web3” — showcased the city’s unique positioning at the crossroads of IT legacy, manufacturing strength, and academic excellence.

From IT Hub to Global Tech Powerhouse

David Charlu, veteran technologist and Co-Founder of Veryx Technologies, reflected on the state’s transformation:

“We’ve seen three major transitions. From IT services to product companies, and now to AI and Web3. The pace today is mind-boggling, supported by talent, industry partnerships, and government policies. Chennai is no longer just an outsourcing hub—it’s a place where global tech leaders are emerging.”

David outlined a blueprint for Tamil Nadu founders to go global: build cross-functional teams with international exposure, secure long-term deep-tech funding, stay customer-obsessed, and create strong, enduring company culture. Partnerships, global networks, and advisory boards, he stressed, are critical for scaling globally.

NASSCOM’s DeepTech Push in Tamil Nadu

Senthil Kumar R, Head of the NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (COE), explained how structured support has been the bedrock of Chennai’s ecosystem:

“From Zoho to Freshworks, we’ve seen startups grow into global giants. But there are also hundreds of lesser-known deep-tech startups creating jobs, revenue, and global impact.”

He detailed how NASSCOM’s COE is driving innovation across AI, IoT, AR/VR, 3D printing, cybersecurity, and Web3 through lab-to-market programmes, enterprise co-creation, and innovation challenges with Fortune 500 partners like AstraZeneca, GE, Siemens, and L’Oréal.

Senthil added:

“The most critical support startups need is their first purchase order. That first validation can make or break their journey. At COE, we work to ensure they get it.”

Industry 5.0: Human + AI Collaboration

Dipankar Ghosh, Founder & CEO of Digi2O, and a veteran with four decades in manufacturing and consulting, shared his vision for smart factories:

“Industry 5.0 is not about replacing humans with machines—it’s about humans and AI working together. AI becomes the co-pilot, while human intuition, ethics, and expertise remain at the center.”

Highlighting Chennai’s edge, he noted:

“If Bangalore is India’s software capital, Chennai is India’s DeepTech lab. Here, manufacturing and technology ecosystems co-exist, supported by IIT Madras and its Research Park.”

He cited real-world use cases:

• Detect Technologies uses AI to make industries safer, while decisions remain with human safety officers.

• Planys Technologies deploys robots underwater to inspect pipelines and bridges, with human engineers making final calls.

“This is Industry 5.0 in action—where technology enhances human decisions instead of replacing them.”

How Tamil Nadu Startups Can Scale Globally

The panelists emphasized a global-first mindset: transitioning from services to product innovation, adopting global scalability strategies, and leveraging international funding and cultural exposure.

As David summed up:

“Technology alone won’t make you global. Customers, culture, and capital must align with innovation.”

Call to Action: Tamil Nadu’s Time is Now

Closing the session, Senthil invited Web3 and AI entrepreneurs to leverage NASSCOM COE and StartupTN platforms:

“Tamil Nadu has the talent, universities, and corporates ready to engage. What we need is for startups to step forward, collaborate, and seize the opportunities.”

Kushal framed the opportunity in a global context:

“Industry 5.0, agentic AI, and Web3 tokenisation present India with a chance to lead the world. And Tamil Nadu is showing how.”

Why Chennai Matters Now

The panel converged on one message: Tamil Nadu’s time is now. With IIT Madras driving research, NASSCOM building bridges, and a thriving startup–corporate ecosystem, Chennai is primed to lead India’s DeepTech and Web3 journey.

As Senthil concluded:

“We’re looking forward to seeing many more unicorns and soonicorns emerge from Tamil Nadu. The ecosystem is ready—it’s up to the startups to seize the opportunity.”

With its manufacturing ecosystem, IIT-driven research, strong IT base, and supportive policy frameworks, Chennai is not just catching up—it’s setting the pace.

The Binance Blockchain Yatra 2025 – Chennai showed that Tamil Nadu is fast becoming India’s DeepTech and Web3 powerhouse—and possibly the birthplace of the next global-scale startup success stories.