TN govt plans university for AI, quantum computing, other emerging technologies
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department is preparing to establish a specialised university focusing on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, climate technology and space technology.
The proposed Periyar Institute of Emerging Technology will initially function as an autonomous institute under Anna University. The university has been entrusted with preparing a detailed project report covering its academic structure, infrastructure, research priorities, funding requirements and international collaborations. The institute is expected to begin its first academic session within five months.
The government’s long-term plan is to transform it into an independent university with powers to award degrees and conduct advanced, application-oriented research.
The proposed institution will collaborate with leading universities, research centres and industries in India and abroad. Anna University will coordinate the initial partnerships and design specialised degree programmes aligned with developments in advanced technologies. The institute will focus on building a pool of highly skilled graduates and researchers capable of contributing to emerging industrial and scientific sectors. Its academic programmes are expected to combine classroom learning with research, product development and industry-based applications.
The Higher Education Department is simultaneously working to establish an institute of excellence dedicated to basic sciences.
Legislation required for setting up the institution is likely to be introduced during the current academic year. Modelled on the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the proposed institute will have degree-awarding powers and concentrate on postgraduate education, doctoral programmes and postdoctoral research. Its principal fields will include physics, chemistry, mathematics and computational biology.
Tamil Nadu also plans to collaborate with internationally recognised research institutions to develop academic programmes and research facilities that meet global standards.
Around 30 prominent institutions currently undertake basic science research across India.
Tamil Nadu is expected to become the third state, after Kerala and Odisha, to establish a state-level research institute exclusively for basic sciences.
Alongside these initiatives, the government has relaxed requirements for establishing private universities. The minimum land requirement has been reduced from 100 acres to 12 acres in Chennai and 18 acres in other municipal corporation areas. The mandatory endowment fund has also been lowered from Rs 50 crore to Rs 25 crore.
The changes are intended to attract credible educational institutions, encourage investment and expand access to specialised higher education and research facilities across the state.