TSM TECHNOVA 2026, a National AI Innovation Challenge hosted by Thiagarajar School of Management (TSM), Madurai, brought together emerging innovators for two days of ideas, learning, and competition. Mr. Shyam Sekar S, Founder & CEO of Startup Xperts, delivered a keynote on “Student Startups in Today’s Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities” and served as a Key Jury Member for the National Grand Finale.
With over 100 finalists competing across eight categories, the event showcased how young innovators were using AI to address real-world challenges. The finalists had progressed through zonal rounds held across Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
Drawing from his startup experience, entrepreneurial mentoring, and his book Startup Alchemist, Mr. Shyam Sekar S shared five key messages with aspiring student entrepreneurs: solve real problems, recognise that a prototype was only the beginning, engage with customers to establish product-market fit, seek evidence before pursuing funding, and embrace continuous learning, experimentation, and improvement.
A key message from the keynote was that a startup’s biggest competitor might not be another business, but its own assumptions.
Appreciation was extended to Director Dr. Murali, Dean Dr. N. Manjula, Ms. Subha, and the entire TSM team for bringing together a promising group of young innovators.
The event reinforced the importance of turning ideas into practical solutions, building sustainable businesses, and creating meaningful impact.