StartupTN CEO Resigns Amid Policy Review by New Tamil Nadu Government
Sivarajah Ramanathan has stepped down as Mission Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission (StartupTN). His resignation was confirmed by a source at StartupTN, with his relieving order issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
L. Nirmalraj, Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce, will hold full additional charge of the post until further orders. Mr. Ramanathan confirmed his resignation but declined to disclose the reasons behind his decision.
Observers in the startup ecosystem noted that the timing of the resignation coincides with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government's review of initiatives launched under the previous DMK administration. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding any link.
StartupTN was established under the MSME Department to support startups in Tamil Nadu through funding, mentoring, and ecosystem development. Its foundation was laid during the AIADMK government's tenure. The DMK government later expanded its mandate, introducing initiatives such as the SC/ST Startup Fund, the first state-backed equity fund in India dedicated to entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities.
During Mr. Ramanathan's leadership, the number of DPIIT-recognised startups in Tamil Nadu grew from 2,032 in 2021 to over 14,700, a more than six-fold increase. Nearly half of these ventures are led by women. StartupTN expanded its reach through a metro hub in Chennai and regional hubs in 10 other cities, including Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities beyond metropolitan areas and into rural regions.
