The Tamil Nadu government, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), is initiating the establishment of an 'India Centre for Advanced Manufacturing' in Chennai. The goal is to enhance the state's manufacturing sector by focusing on higher value-added segments.

Former industries minister Thangam Thenarasu previously shared plans for this advanced manufacturing centre, aiming for its launch by January 2024. Recently, government and WEF representatives engaged in a public-private discussion to progress the project and define its specifics.

The gathering, comprising more than 20 business leaders from diverse fields such as electronics, automobiles, and general manufacturing, outlined the centre's objectives. These objectives encompass facilitating domestic and international collaboration in advanced technologies and assisting companies in innovation, sustainability, and research and development initiatives. Participants included Guidance Tamil Nadu, the MSME Department, TIDCO, TNSDC, and other industrial representatives.

State industries minister T R B Rajaa conveyed the state's unwavering commitment to establishing the India Centre for Advanced Manufacturing in partnership with WEF. Embracing the principles of 'Industry 4.0' for manufacturing advancement is pivotal to achieving Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin’s goal of a $1 trillion economy. The minister highlighted ongoing digital transformation efforts and the potential for Tamil Nadu to become a hub of advanced manufacturing.

The centre's focus will span high-end innovation, novel business models, and digital transformation for manufacturing entities, including SMEs. It will facilitate collaboration between industry and academia for workforce upskilling and support research in supply chain decarbonisation and circularity.

Tamil Nadu has already initiated three Centers of Excellence in partnership with Siemens, G E, and Dassault Systemes to aid startups and MSMEs. Moreover, Industrial Innovation Centres (IICs) are operational at SIPCOT Parks in Sriperumbudur and Hosur. The state administration is also contemplating the establishment of knowledge parks in major cities through collaborations with international research institutes, targeting capabilities in areas like semiconductors, green hydrogen, and solar PV module manufacturing.