Unlocking Startup Potential in Tier-2 Cities

The Vibrant Pulse of Innovation: Think Salem 2025 at Sona College of Technology

The auditorium at Sona College of Technology buzzed with youthful ambition on December 20, 2025, as aspiring entrepreneurs in their early twenties from Salem and cities across South India gathered for Think Salem 2025. Young minds, fueled by drive and creativity, converged to explore a landscape increasingly shaped by innovation and technology. Attendees journeyed from various locales, even from the small town of Kanyakumari, with its population of just 22,000, demonstrating a shared ambition to harness technology for a transformative future.

A Convergence of Minds

The event brought together not just budding entrepreneurs but also influential policymakers, researchers, and techpreneurs from cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Dubai, and Toronto. These seasoned experts shared insights and experiences that transcended geographical boundaries, allowing attendees to absorb a wealth of knowledge. By the end of the day, participants left the auditorium not only inspired but equipped with practical insights and actionable pathways—tools they could wield to spearhead startups aimed at tackling real-world challenges.

A Resounding Victory for Innovation

The conclave closed on a high note with a spirited round of applause for Bhavana L and Sunil Kumar L, a dynamic duo from Sona College of Technology. The third-year BTech students clinched the prestigious Google Gemini AI cash prize of ₹25 lakh, outshining 29,349 competing teams across the nation. Their project, ‘Rest In Pieces’, is a remarkable marketplace dedicated to salvaging hardware components post-student projects, thereby minimizing electronic waste while saving costs for junior students. By repurposing discarded robots and electronic modules, they not only foster an eco-friendly approach but also promote a culture of innovation among peers.

Nurturing Young Innovators

In an extraordinary showcase of talent, a team of young students aged 9–11 from Sona Valliappa Public School captivated the audience with their entries at the AI Innovation Roadshow: Innovista 2025, held concurrently on the Sona campus. Their projects, which included AI-powered waste detection systems and emotion recognition tools to enhance student well-being, illustrated the remarkable capabilities of children when exposed to technology at an early age. The ingenuity displayed by these young minds highlights the potential technology holds in nurturing future-ready problem solvers who can make meaningful contributions to society.

The Role of Regional Ecosystems

Hosted by Sona Incubations, the Think Salem 2025 conclave marked a notable trend in India’s innovation narrative—emphasizing the vital role of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in the entrepreneurial landscape. As ecosystems in places like Salem increasingly contribute to nationally relevant, technology-led startups, it becomes evident that innovation is not exclusively tied to larger metropolitan areas. This was a sentiment echoed by prominent speakers at the event.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Chocko Valliappa, Vice Chairman of The Sona Group and CEO of Vee Technologies, resonated with the audience when he stated, “Today, a startup can be built from Salem for the world. With AI tools and strong intent, geography is no longer a limitation—execution is.” His words encapsulated the spirit of the day, where cutting-edge technology seems to erase any geographic constraints that once shaped the narrative of entrepreneurship in India.

Dr. T. S. Rao, a former Senior Advisor to the Union Department of Biotechnology, emphasized that innovation truly matters when it becomes a public utility. He encouraged attendees to focus on moving ideas from the lab to society through quality partnerships and scale. This mission aligns seamlessly with the vision of the event, which aimed to cultivate startups that positively impact communities.

Dr. Ramanathan Ramanan, a key figure with the India AI Mission, added weight to the discussion by highlighting the unique opportunity presented by India’s youthful demographic, combined with technology access and strong incubation ecosystems. He pointed out that this confluence offers students a once-in-a-generation chance to devise solutions with both national and global significance.

The Future of Startups

Sivakumar Palanisamy, VP and Chief of Staff at StartupTN, also weighed in on the future of entrepreneurship. He conveyed a strong belief in AI’s integration into everyday life, stating, “The future belongs to startups that redesign problems, personalize solutions, and build skills—not those chasing big-city addresses.” This perspective reinforces the growing realization that significant innovation can stem from anywhere, regardless of location.

Supporting Entrepreneurship

Sona Incubations stands as a beacon of support for budding entrepreneurs, backed by the Department of Science and Technology through the establishment of the DST-Sona Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (TBI). With a track record of incubating 19 startups in Salem and neighboring towns, Sona Incubations shows a solid commitment to fostering local talent and promoting innovation.

Discover More

For those eager to learn more about entrepreneurship initiatives, resources, and the innovative culture emerging from Salem, additional information is available at Sona Incubations. Here, a wealth of opportunities awaits those ready to take the plunge into the world of startups and technology-driven solutions.