Chief Minister M K Stalin laid the foundation stone for the Knowledge City in Tiruvallur district on 29 January, 2026.

The project aims to foster innovation, knowledge, and research by bringing together universities, research labs, and industry players into a collaborative ecosystem, as stated by Sandeep Nanduri, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), the nodal agency for the initiative. The integrated education hub, launched at the India Global Education Summit 2026, will feature campuses of eight international universities along with associated facilities. 

In the first phase, TIDCO plans to develop essential infrastructure on 870 acres, including classrooms, student housing, stadiums, sports facilities, and commercial spaces. A central feature will be the Knowledge Tower, a one-lakh-sq. ft. facility that will offer plug-and-play options for foreign universities. MD Nanduri mentioned, “We already have bookings for almost all the facilities.”

The state is also set to sign memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with eight international universities from the US., Europe, and Australia during the India Global Education Summit 2026. These universities will form a key part of the Tamil Nadu Knowledge City project.