Chennai, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Tamil Nadu higher education department is preparing to establish a university focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, climate technology, and space technology.
The proposed Periyar Institute of Emerging Technology will initially operate as an autonomous institution under Anna University. A comprehensive project report is being developed, covering the university’s academic structure, infrastructure, research priorities, funding requirements, and international collaborations. The institution is expected to commence its first academic session within the next five months.
The government’s long-term vision includes transforming it into an independent university with the authority to confer degrees and conduct advanced, application-oriented research.
The proposed institute aims to collaborate with leading universities, research centers, and industries both in India and abroad. Anna University will coordinate initial partnerships and design specialized degree programs aligned with the development of advanced technology. The primary goal of the institution is to cultivate a pool of highly skilled graduates and researchers capable of contributing to emerging industrial and scientific sectors. Its academic programs will combine classroom instruction with research, product development, and industry-based applications.
Additionally, the higher education department is working on establishing an excellence institute dedicated to fundamental sciences.
The necessary legislation for the establishment of the institute is expected to be introduced during the current academic year. Modeled after the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the proposed institution will have the authority to grant degrees and will focus on postgraduate education, doctoral programs, and postdoctoral research. Key areas of study will include physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computational biology.
Tamil Nadu also plans to collaborate with internationally recognized research institutions to develop academic programs and research facilities that meet global standards.
Currently, around 30 major institutions across India are engaged in fundamental science research. Tamil Nadu is poised to become the third state, after Kerala and Odisha, to establish state-level research institutions dedicated to basic sciences.
In conjunction with these initiatives, the government has relaxed requirements for establishing private universities. In Chennai, the minimum land requirement has been reduced from 100 acres to 12 acres, while in other municipal areas, it has been set at 18 acres. The mandatory endowment fund has also been decreased from ₹50 crore to ₹25 crore.
These changes aim to attract reputable academic institutions, encourage investment, and expand access to specialized higher education and research facilities across the state.
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