Chennai, Aug 5
Tamil Nadu will establish India’s first dedicated artificial intelligence and innovation city, ‘Arivagam’, as part of the TVK government’s push to position the State as a leading hub for AI, deep technology, research and technology-driven investment.
Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson announced the initiative while presenting the Revised Budget for 2026-27 in the State Assembly on Wednesday.
Envisaged as an integrated technology ecosystem, Arivagam will bring together advanced research, higher education, skill development, innovation and industrial infrastructure under a single framework.
The proposed city will house an AI university, an international skill development centre, a semiconductor hardware testing laboratory and multi-domain innovation incubators. Residential facilities and other supporting infrastructure are also planned.
The government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for a feasibility study to lay the groundwork for the project. Arivagam is expected to accelerate the development of emerging technologies, attract domestic and international investment and create high-skilled employment opportunities.
Wilson also announced that the government would introduce a new Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy with a strong focus on innovation and technology-led economic growth. The proposed policy will promote emerging industries and sustainable development while strengthening the State’s export capabilities.
Alongside the technology push, the Budget unveiled new healthcare and welfare initiatives. The government plans to introduce 1,000 Mobile Geriatric Treatment Centres in phases to provide healthcare services to senior citizens across Tamil Nadu.
Each mobile unit will have a doctor, nurse and physiotherapist and will visit village panchayats to conduct free health check-ups and distribute medicines for chronic ailments. Rs 33 crore has been allocated for the programme.
The government will also establish ‘Aran’ shelter homes in five districts for transgender persons facing social or family difficulties. The centres will provide accommodation, food, counselling and rehabilitation support.
In addition, short-stay homes will be opened in 15 districts to assist transgender persons travelling for education, employment, medical treatment, examinations and training.
