S. Sankar Marimuthu, president, AICCI, addressing the press in Thoothukudi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: RAJESH N
The All India Chamber of Commerce and Industries (AICCI), Thoothukudi in partnership with V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority will host the AICCI National Startup Summit 2026 in Thoothukudi on August 20 and 21, aiming to position Thoothukudi as India’s emerging startup and innovation getaway.
Addressing the media in Thoothukudi on Tuesday, S. Sankar Marimuthu, president, AICCI, Thoothukudi said that the programme has been scheduled in Thoothukudi, under the theme “Thoothukudi to Global.” The two-day summit is envisioned as one of South India’s premier platforms for startups, innovation, investment and entrepreneurship, he added.
Mr. Marimuthu further noted that the summit is expected to bring together over 5,000 entrepreneurs, more than 500 startups, over 150 startup exhibition halls, over 50 angel investors and more than 25 expert speakers from across the country.
The initiative aims to connect startups with industries, investors, government departments, academia, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other partners while showcasing Thoothukudi’s growing importance as a destination for innovation led industrial development.
Mr. Marimuthu emphasised that Thoothukudi is entering a transformative phase of industrial growth with significant investments in port infrastructure, logistics, ship building, renewable energy, electric mobility, manufacturing, exports, fisheries and the upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launch complex of ISRO in Kulasekarapattinam.
He stated that the objective of the summit is to encourage entrepreneurs to develop technologies and scalable business solution that address real world industrial challenges, strengthen MSMEs, create employment opportunities, attract investments and accelerate regional eceonomic development.
The summit will also comprise eight strategic innovation pavilions, such as Port&Logistics, SpaceTech, Blue Economy, Salt Innovation, Climate & Energy, D2C, Food and AgriTech, AI&MedTech and EV&Industry 4.0.
S. Suresh Kumar, secretary general, J. Cascarino, treasurer, J. Prem Paul Nayagam, vice president, R. Ponkumaran, joint secretary and other members of AICCI, Thoothukudi were present at the event.
Published – July 15, 2026 07:51 pm IST
