Join Now: Tourism Innovation Hackathon in Tamil Nadu (India)

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Hackathon, organized by StartupTN, invites students, professionals, and startup founders to co-create next-generation tourism solutions using technology and innovative business models. Top-performing teams may gain access to Gramam Thorum Puthozhil / TANSEED seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh, helping transform ideas into scalable tourism ventures across Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Hackathon is a state-level innovation program led by StartupTN to catalyze technology-driven solutions for the tourism sector. The initiative brings together creators, technologists, and entrepreneurs to address real-world tourism challenges while building a strong startup pipeline for Tamil Nadu’s tourism and culture ecosystem.

What Is the Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Hackathon?

The hackathon is designed as an innovation-to-funding gateway, enabling participants to ideate, prototype, and validate tourism-focused products and services. High-potential teams can progress toward Gramam Thorum Puthozhil / TANSEED seed funding, supporting early-stage commercialization and market entry.

Key Focus Areas and Themes

The hackathon supports innovation across diverse tourism verticals, including:

• Culinary Tourism

• Agri and Rural Tourism

• Heritage and Culture Tourism

• Eco and Adventure Tourism

• Wellness and Medical Tourism

• Digital Tourism Innovations

These themes reflect Tamil Nadu’s cultural diversity, natural heritage, and emerging digital opportunities.

Objectives of the Hackathon

Core Goals

• Boost tourism-focused startups with innovative products and services

• Solve real tourism-sector challenges using technology and new business models

• Attract student and professional talent into tourism and cultural entrepreneurship

• Strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and innovators

• Create a pipeline for Gramam Thorum Puthozhil / TANSEED seed funding

Why This Hackathon Matters

Impact on the Tourism Ecosystem

This initiative helps:

• Enhance visitor experiences through digital and service innovation

• Promote sustainability and cultural preservation

• Strengthen local livelihoods and rural entrepreneurship

• Build scalable, tourism-led startup ventures

By aligning innovation with policy and funding pathways, the hackathon accelerates tourism-led economic growth.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Participants

Applications are open to:

• Students

• Working professionals

• Startup founders

• Early-stage startup teams

Participants must demonstrate interest or experience in tourism, technology, or entrepreneurship.

How the Hackathon Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Register for the Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Hackathon

2. Identify a tourism sector challenge aligned with the focus areas

3. Develop an innovative product, service, or business model

4. Build and present a prototype or concept

5. Pitch to an expert evaluation panel

6. High-potential teams may progress toward TANSEED funding

Evaluation Criteria

Teams are assessed based on:

• Innovation and relevance to tourism challenges

• Potential tourism impact and value creation

• Feasibility and prototype quality

• Business model strength and scalability

• Team capability, execution ability, and commitment

Funding and Growth Opportunities

Seed Funding Access

• Top teams may qualify for Gramam Thorum Puthozhil / TANSEED seed grants

• Funding support of up to ₹10 lakh for eligible startups

• Funds support product development, market entry, and early growth

Tips for a Strong Submission

• Focus on real, well-defined tourism challenges

• Demonstrate clear user value and visitor experience improvement

• Show scalability across regions or tourism segments

• Align innovation with sustainability and cultural value

• Present a clear and realistic business model

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing generic ideas without tourism relevance

• Ignoring feasibility or implementation constraints

• Weak articulation of business or revenue models

• Lack of team roles or execution clarity

• Overlooking sustainability or local impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of the hackathon?
To develop innovative tourism solutions and create a startup pipeline eligible for TANSEED funding.

2. Who can participate in the hackathon?
Students, professionals, startup founders, and early-stage teams.

3. What funding is available for selected teams?
High-potential teams may receive seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh through TANSEED.

4. Is a working prototype required?
A prototype or well-defined concept improves evaluation but may not be mandatory at entry.

5. What sectors of tourism are supported?
Culinary, rural, heritage, eco, wellness, medical, and digital tourism.

6. How are teams evaluated?
Based on innovation, impact, feasibility, scalability, and team strength.

7. Does participation guarantee funding?
No. Funding is competitive and awarded to top-performing teams.

Conclusion

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Hackathon offers a powerful platform to transform creative ideas into impactful tourism startups. By combining innovation, mentorship, and access to TANSEED funding, StartupTN is building a strong foundation for technology-enabled, sustainable, and culturally rooted tourism ventures across Tamil Nadu.