Sun Aug 03 16:03:32 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Tamil Nadu’s First-Generation Startups Thrive with Incubation Support**
**MADURAI, August 3, 2025** – A surge in first-generation entrepreneurs is transforming Tamil Nadu’s business landscape, fueled by innovative ideas and a desire to create employment. However, experts emphasize the crucial role of incubation centers in guiding these startups through the complexities of the market.
“The urge to provide employment rather than seeking employment pushed me into converting my college final year’s thesis into a practical business model,” said K. Sai Vishnu, co-founder and CEO of Sea Eden. Sai’s Sea Eden utilizes high saline seawater and sand for agricultural purposes.
K. Ganesh Moorthy, CEO of MABIF, highlighted the indispensable role of incubation centers in guiding startups through market realities. He noted that without guidance, startups could end up taking the wrong route.
For businesses like Tomgo Agro Machines, which produces agricultural cranes, early inexperience led to setbacks. Director A. Ronikka Mary acknowledged that seeking help from State funding agencies became crucial after initial struggles.
Even established experts like Ajeet Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of Gudlyf Mobility Private Limited, a former engineer in the Ministry for Heavy Industries, require incubation support to build their business from scratch. The company manufactures non-metallic cylinders for rockets, vehicles and other mechanisms, could not evolve into a company until the incubation centres like Thiagarajar College of Engineering Technology Business Incubator, IIT- Madras, stepped in to give a shape to the product, he said.
Another example is Millets N Minutes, a Madurai-based company producing millet-based food items. Managing Director Subhasini Dharmendra credits expert input with innovative product twists, like jaggery-coated millet snacks.
Experts caution that without proper guidance, startups can face heavy losses due to unprofessional business practices. Mr. Ganesh Moorthy highlights the importance of government support, as well as penalties for mismanagement.
The rising awareness of government initiatives in relation to business start-ups should be taken seriously by newcomers. “The guidance and expertise of experienced personnel could not be fulfilled by any business school or a degree,” he stated.
**Summary:**
This article discusses the growing trend of first-generation startups in Tamil Nadu, India. It emphasizes the critical role of incubation centers in providing guidance, expertise, and funding to these startups, which often lack traditional business networks or family support. The article features several examples of startups that have benefited from incubation support, highlighting the challenges they faced and the ways in which incubation centers helped them overcome those challenges. It also points out the need for startups to be aware of government initiatives and to seek expert advice to avoid mismanagement and ensure long-term sustainability.
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