Chennai, Dec 17 (Reporter) Tamil Nadu is positioned as a Global IT and AI Leader with Skilled Local Talent, Startup Support, and Strategic Policies, MInister for IT and Digital Services Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said at the 22nd edition CII Connect 2024 held here on Tuesday. He also highlighted Tamil Nadu’s Innovation-Driven Growth, R and D Focus and Commitment to Building Future-Ready Industries. He said "Tamil Nadu’s strength lies in its unparalleled tech talent, with 20% of India’s technology professionals hailing from the state". Over 80% of the workforce in the state’s IT sector is local, a unique distinction in India and home to multiple thriving IT hubs, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, and Salem, Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said. "Our government remains committed to fostering ease of doing business for companies already here, while actively positioning the state as a global IT powerhouse," he said. “Furthermore, Tamil Nadu has allowed startups to offer technology solutions without going through the traditional tender process, fostering faster innovation, he added. The key priorities for the next 4 years include skilling graduating talent and integrating them into the workforce through the ICT Academy, and establish policies for R&D, deep tech, and AI guidelines, build a skilled and stable local workforce, reducing attrition and provide support programs for startups to fuel innovation and growth, the Minister added. Mr V Mahadesha, Director, Software Technology Parks of India, highlighted the robust infrastructure developed across India and emphasized their commitment to partnering with the government to make Tamil Nadu home to the most safe and secure IT infrastructure in the country. “With a clear vision for growth, the target is set to establish 400 Global Capability Centers (GCCs) by 2027, driving innovation, employment, and economic transformation in the state,” he pointed out...////...