Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way Announces Collaboration Between Rutgers University and Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub

Chennai — The New Jersey-India Commission, in conjunction with Choose New Jersey, today facilitated the signing of an agreement between Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and the Tamil Nadu Technology (TNT) Hub as part of the Commission’s inaugural economic mission. The agreement will foster innovation in the deep technology sector and create collaboration opportunities for both institutions, including research and development, academic research, and startup entrepreneurship.

The agreement will be led by Rutgers Global, the university-wide unit of Rutgers University committed to leading, developing, and promoting international initiatives and education, and iTNT Hub leaders who will develop programming and initiatives to support deep technology research between the institutions.

“This partnership exemplifies Rutgers University’s commitment to global engagement and innovation,” said Antonio M. Calcado, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. “By joining forces with iTNT Hub, we are not only advancing research in the deep-tech sector but also creating new opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to transformative solutions that address global challenges.”

The iTNT Hub aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the deep-tech ecosystem, serving as a launchpad for startups and a catalyst for technological breakthroughs. With a focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and advanced materials, the Hub supports the commercialization of research and the development of solutions with global impact. Through collaborations with leading institutions like Rutgers University, the iTNT Hub strengthens its mission of driving transformative innovation, nurturing entrepreneurial talent, and creating a robust network of global partners committed to addressing critical challenges and shaping the future of technology.

“iTNT Hub is proud to collaborate with Rutgers University, a globally renowned research institution, to push the boundaries of innovation,” said Vanitha Venugopal, Chief Executive Officer of Tamil Nadu Technology Hub. “This agreement underscores our commitment to building a robust ecosystem where research meets entrepreneurship to create impactful technologies for the future.”

“I am excited to see New Jersey’s world-class academic institutions and business partner with Tamil Nadu and iTNT to foster innovation between U.S. and India,” said United States Consul General in Chennai Chris Hodges.

“New Jersey is home to an advanced technology infrastructure and top-ranked research institutions equipped to support research in sectors that will define the future of how we live, work, and play,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey and Chair of the New Jersey-India Commission. “This partnership creates opportunities to develop our workforce of engineers and scientists while exploring new ways to continue supporting our growing community of start-ups that are so crucial to the economic success of both the States.” 

To view the full agreement, click here.

Reporters interested in more information on the inaugural New Jersey-India Commission economic mission may contact Toral Patel (toral.patel@nj.gov) and Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com) or visit choosenj.com/IndiaMission for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the State’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

About Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research institution and the largest higher education provider in the state. With a mission to advance knowledge, provide for the instructional needs of New Jersey’s citizens, and drive innovation, Rutgers maintains a global presence through initiatives like Rutgers Global and its partnerships with international institutions.

About Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub
Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub, established by the Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu, is a pioneering deep-tech ecosystem focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging technologies. The hub supports startups, researchers and innovators through state-of-the-art infrastructure, mentorship, funding, market access and collaboration with industries, global partners and governments to accelerate transformative technological advancements.