Tamil Nadu: A journey of innovation, connections and inspiration

By Dr Ram Mohan, Editor

I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Tamil Nadu, and I can’t stop thinking about the energy, innovation, and opportunities I witnessed there. Representing the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) at the JTN Tamil Nadu Global Expo & Knowledge Summit 2025 in Coimbatore from January 24th to 26th was an incredible experience.

From the moment I arrived, I was overwhelmed by the excitement of the summit. The halls were full of passionate entrepreneurs, cutting-edge product showcases, and thoughtprovoking discussions. Tamil Nadu’s reputation as India’s most industrialized state was on full display—everywhere I looked, there were companies and visionaries pushing boundaries and making an impact on the global stage. The networking opportunities were invaluable, and I found myself engaged in deep conversations about business growth, collaboration, and innovation.

After the summit, I took full advantage of optional B2B meetings and industrial visits. Getting a firsthand look at the industries driving Tamil Nadu’s economy was both eye-opening and inspiring. Whether it was manufacturing, technology, or sustainability, the sheer scale and ambition of businesses in the region left a lasting impression.

My journey then took me to Chennai, where I had the privilege of meeting Consul General Ms. Silai Zaki at the Australian Consulate, along with the teams from DFAT and AUSTRADE. These discussions reinforced the strong Australia-India ties and opened doors for potential collaborations. It was incredible to see the enthusiasm on both sides for deepening business and trade relationships.

Another highlight of my trip was attending Envision 2025 –Ground Zero for Net-Zero at the IIT Madras Research Park.

Organized in partnership with the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), the event was a powerful reminder of how Tamil Nadu is leading the way in sustainable innovation. The speakers, panels, and discussions painted a future where clean energy and technology come together to create a better world.

More than anything, this trip was a testament to Tamil Nadu’s journey from local innovation to global impact. Every conversation, every event, and every interaction left me feeling inspired and optimistic about the future. Tamil Nadu is not just an economic powerhouse—it’s a place where ideas take flight, collaborations flourish, and dreams turn into reality. I’m grateful to have been a part of this experience, and I can’t wait to see how the connections and insights from this journey shape the future.