The University College of Engineering, BIT Campus, Anna University, Tiruchi, the designated District Hub for Tiruchi, will guide 75 higher educational institutions in five years under the Nimirnthu Nil, the Tamil Nadu Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.This was disclosed by T. Senthilkumar, Dean, University College of Engineering, BIT Campus and Hub Coordinator, at a ‘Top Management Meet’ organised under the programme by the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute (EDII-TN), in association with Anna University, Tiruchi, here on Thursday. The programme is implemented on a hub-and-spoke model.The meet was attended by principals and top management representatives of higher educational institutions across Tiruchi district, according to a press release.Dr. Senthilkumar said that under the earlier phase of the scheme (2016–2021), over 10 student startups were promoted through 50 spoke institutions as part of the government initiative to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship among youth.Under the revised five-year plan, the Tiruchi Hub will guide 75 spoke institutions comprising engineering, polytechnic, arts, and science, B. Ed, ITI, nursing, agriculture, and medical colleges, he said.R. Ambalavanan, Director, EDII-TN, explained the government’s vision to nurture 10,000 student entrepreneurs over the next five years, backed by ₹19.57 crore funding support and specialised training in AI, e-commerce, and manufacturing.The programme aims to instill innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills among students, he said.R. Shunmugaraj, State Programme Manager, EDII-TN, and R. Ramkumar, District Programme Manager, Perambalur, detailed various initiatives and milestones of the scheme. S. Senthilnathan, District Programme Manager, Tiruchi, spoke. Published - September 04, 2025 07:29 pm IST