Tamil Nadu Tourism Hackathon 2025

Reimagining How the World Experiences Tamil Nadu

Apply Now

Tamil Nadu Tourism Hackathon 2025

Reimagining How the World Experiences Tamil Nadu

Apply Now

Tamil Nadu Tourism Hackathon 2025

Reimagining How the World Experiences Tamil Nadu

Apply Now

About

About the Hackathon

Tamil Nadu stands as one of India’s most vibrant tourism destinations, welcoming 286 million domestic tourists and 1.17 million foreign visitors in 2023. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Hackathon 2025 is designed to transform this opportunity into action — bringing creators, technologists, and startup founders together to build next-gen tourism solutions. This program also acts as a gateway to TANSEED seed funding, enabling high-potential startups to take their ideas to market.

Key Goals

Boost tourism-focused startups with innovative products and services.

Solve real sector challenges using technology and new business models.

Attract student and professional talent into the tourism and culture ecosystem.

Pipeline for TANSEED – Top teams may secure seed grants up to ₹10 lakh.

Strengthen partnerships between government, industry, and innovators.

Key Themes

Focus Sectors Shaping the Future of Travel in Tamil Nadu

The hackathon focuses on sectors that align with Tamil Nadu’s tourism strengths and policy priorities.

Culinary Tourism

Reimagining Tamil Nadu’s rich food heritage through – food trails, – culinary experiences, – cooking networks, – gourmet product ventures.

Agri & Rural Tourism

Heritage & Culture Tourism

Eco & Adventure Tourism

Wellness & Medical Tourism

Digital Tourism Innovations

cozy interior with fireplace and candles

modern open lounge with palm trees outside

Culinary Tourism

Reimagining Tamil Nadu’s rich food heritage through – food trails, – culinary experiences, – cooking networks, – gourmet product ventures.

Agri & Rural Tourism

Heritage & Culture Tourism

Eco & Adventure Tourism

Wellness & Medical Tourism

Digital Tourism Innovations

Culinary Tourism

Reimagining Tamil Nadu’s rich food heritage through – food trails, – culinary experiences, – cooking networks, – gourmet product ventures.

Agri & Rural Tourism

Heritage & Culture Tourism

Eco & Adventure Tourism

Wellness & Medical Tourism

Digital Tourism Innovations

Process

Program Structure

A structured 6–8 week journey from idea to pitch.

Launch & Call for Ideas (Week 1–2)

Public announcement, theme release, online registration, concept note/video pitch submission.

Launch & Call for Ideas (Week 1–2)

Public announcement, theme release, online registration, concept note/video pitch submission.

Launch & Call for Ideas (Week 1–2)

Public announcement, theme release, online registration, concept note/video pitch submission.

Screening & Shortlisting (Week 3)

Expert panel selects 20–30 promising teams. Shortlisted teams receive mentor assignments.

Screening & Shortlisting (Week 3)

Expert panel selects 20–30 promising teams. Shortlisted teams receive mentor assignments.

Screening & Shortlisting (Week 3)

Expert panel selects 20–30 promising teams. Shortlisted teams receive mentor assignments.

Mentorship & Bootcamp (Week 4)

Workshops, 1:1 mentoring, mid-review demos, domain expert interactions.

Mentorship & Bootcamp (Week 4)

Workshops, 1:1 mentoring, mid-review demos, domain expert interactions.

Mentorship & Bootcamp (Week 4)

Workshops, 1:1 mentoring, mid-review demos, domain expert interactions.

Final Pitch Event (Week 5)

Live demo day in Chennai (or a key TN tourism hub). 5–10 minute pitch + Q&A. Top 3–5 winners selected.

Final Pitch Event (Week 5)

Live demo day in Chennai (or a key TN tourism hub). 5–10 minute pitch + Q&A. Top 3–5 winners selected.

Final Pitch Event (Week 5)

Live demo day in Chennai (or a key TN tourism hub). 5–10 minute pitch + Q&A. Top 3–5 winners selected.

Post-Hackathon Support (Week 7 onwards)

Integration into TANSEED application pipeline. Incubation referrals. Pilot opportunities with tourism partners.

Post-Hackathon Support (Week 7 onwards)

Integration into TANSEED application pipeline. Incubation referrals. Pilot opportunities with tourism partners.

Post-Hackathon Support (Week 7 onwards)

Integration into TANSEED application pipeline. Incubation referrals. Pilot opportunities with tourism partners.

Selection Criteria

Innovation & Relevance

Originality, problem clarity, sector alignment.

Innovation & Relevance

Originality, problem clarity, sector alignment.

Innovation & Relevance

Originality, problem clarity, sector alignment.

Tourism Impact

Potential to enhance visitor experience, cultural value, local livelihoods, or sustainability.

Tourism Impact

Potential to enhance visitor experience, cultural value, local livelihoods, or sustainability.

Tourism Impact

Potential to enhance visitor experience, cultural value, local livelihoods, or sustainability.

Feasibility & Prototype Quality

Technical practicality, design, readiness, implementability within a year.

Feasibility & Prototype Quality

Technical practicality, design, readiness, implementability within a year.

Feasibility & Prototype Quality

Technical practicality, design, readiness, implementability within a year.

Business Model & Scalability

Long-term viability, revenue model, statewide or national expansion potential.

Business Model & Scalability

Long-term viability, revenue model, statewide or national expansion potential.

Business Model & Scalability

Long-term viability, revenue model, statewide or national expansion potential.

Team Capability & Commitment

Technical + domain expertise, passion, readiness to continue beyond the event.

Team Capability & Commitment

Technical + domain expertise, passion, readiness to continue beyond the event.

Team Capability & Commitment

Technical + domain expertise, passion, readiness to continue beyond the event.