# Top 35 research institutes in Tamil Nadu

Tamtam tracks 35 research institutes headquartered in Tamil Nadu. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Vellore Institute of Technology and Anna University Chennai. Their median headcount is 692. Half of them were founded in 1984 or later. The most common headquarters are Chennai (21) and Coimbatore (3).

These organizations in Tamil Nadu are primarily higher education institutions and research centers. They range from large, well-established universities like the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, which focuses on engineering and pure sciences, and Anna University Chennai, specializing in engineering and technology, to more specialized entities. Vellore Institute of Technology is an internationally recognized university, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a multi-campus research institution.

A clear pattern is the concentration of these institutions in Chennai, which hosts many of the largest entities. Coimbatore also emerges as another significant hub. The majority of these institutes, such as the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University founded in 1971 and Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research founded in 1984, were established in the latter half of the 20th century.

🇮🇳 Tamil Nadu · 35 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Indian Institute of Technology, Madras](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/indian-institute-of-technology-madras) (iitm.ac.in)<br>An institute of national importance offering higher technological education, research, and consultancy services with a focus on engineering and pure sciences | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 9,505 | 1959 |
| 2 | [Vellore Institute of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vellore-institute-of-technology) (vit.ac.in)<br>An internationally recognized university offering quality education with a focus on innovation, research, and global collaborations for student and faculty development | Education Administration Programs | 🇮🇳 Vellore | 8,592 |  |
| 3 | [Anna University Chennai](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/anna-university-chennai) (annauniv.edu)<br>Higher education in engineering, technology, architecture, applied sciences with focus on research and industry-academia collaboration for societal needs. | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 7,705 |  |
| 4 | [Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham) (amrita.edu)<br>A leading multi-campus research institution in India with collaborations with top US and European universities, known for its higher education programs | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Coimbatore | 4,702 |  |
| 5 | [invalid15094330](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/invalid15094330) (annauniv.edu)<br>An educational institution offering higher education in engineering, technology, and allied sciences, promoting research, and fostering cooperation between academia and industry | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 3,330 |  |
| 6 | [Tamil Nadu Agricultural University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tamil-nadu-agricultural-university) (tnau.ac.in)<br>The organization is an agricultural university offering various degree programs in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and home science since 1971 | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Coimbatore | 2,704 | 1971 |
| 7 | [University of Madras](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-madras) (unom.ac.in)<br>Higher education institution offering a wide range of courses with experienced faculty focused on quality education and student development. | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,933 |  |
| 8 | [Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bharath-institute-of-higher-education-and-research) (bharathuniv.ac.in)<br>A prestigious institution offering engineering education, research opportunities, and global exposure in Chennai, ranked among the top universities in India | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,778 | 1984 |
| 9 | [Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dr-mgr-educational-and-research-institute) (drmgrdu.ac.in)<br>A private university in Chennai, India, focusing on education and research, with Deemed University status offering various courses since 1987 | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,410 | 1988 |
| 10 | [Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/central-institute-of-plastics-engineering-and-technology-cipet) (cipet.gov.in)<br>An autonomous institute in India offering training and services in the field of plastic engineering, including design, processing, testing, and consultancy | Education Administration Programs | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,044 | 1968 |
| 11 | [Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sri-venkateswara-college-of-engineering) (svce.ac.in)<br>A pioneering engineering college established in 1985, offering autonomous programs affiliated with Anna University and boasting a large alumni network | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Sriperumbudur | 984 | 1985 |
| 12 | [SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/srm-medical-college-hospital-and-research-centre) (medical.srmist.edu.in)<br>Medical College Hospital and Research Centre located in a campus with multiple institutions, facilitating collaborative research and providing medical services | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Chengalpattu | 954 |  |
| 13 | [Periyar University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/periyar-university) (periyaruniversity.ac.in)<br>A renowned university in Tamilnadu established in 1997, offering various postgraduate programs and accredited with 'A' grade by NAAC | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Salem | 883 |  |
| 14 | [CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csir-central-leather-research-institute) (clri.org)<br>A pioneering institute in India dedicated to advancing research, technology, education, and innovation in the leather sector for economic growth and global leadership | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 801 | 1948 |
| 15 | [SASTRA UNIVERSITY](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sastra-university) (sastra.edu)<br>A reputable university offering a wide range of academic programs in engineering, science, education, management, law, and the arts | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Thanjavur | 797 |  |
| 16 | [B S Abdur rahman University of science and Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/b-s-abdur-rahman-university-of-science-and-technology) (bsauniv.ac.in)<br>A Deemed University in Chennai offering BTech, MTech, and PhD programs in various fields like engineering, business, architecture, and life sciences | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 785 | 1985 |
| 17 | [Amrita University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amrita-university) (amrita.edu)<br>A multi-campus, multi-disciplinary university in India offering various programs with 13,000+ students across five campuses and accredited with the highest grade by NAAC | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Coimbatore | 710 |  |
| 18 | [Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tamil-nadu-veterinary-and-animal-sciences-university) (tanuvas.tn.nic.in)<br>The organization focuses on education, research, and extension activities in veterinary, animal, fisheries, food, and dairy sciences to benefit farmers | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 692 |  |
| 19 | [ARAVIND EYE CARE SYSTEM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/aravind-eye-care-system) (aravind.org)<br>A pioneering eye care system founded by Dr Venkataswamy focused on compassionate service and serving as a model for global eye care | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Madurai | 547 | 1976 |
| 20 | [Christian Medical College and Hospital - CMCH Vellore](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/christian-medical-college-and-hospital-cmch-vellore) (cmch-vellore.edu)<br>A private medical school, hospital, and research institute with a network of hospitals offering primary, secondary, and tertiary care services | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Vellore | 541 | 1900 |
| 21 | [Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/indira-gandhi-centre-for-atomic-research-igcar) (igcar.ernet.in)<br>A research organization located in Kalpakkam, Chennai, India, focusing on atomic research and technological advancements in the field | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 511 | 1971 |
| 22 | [Manonmaniam Sundaranar University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/manonmaniam-sundaranar-university) (msuniv.ac.in)<br>An institution of higher learning in rural Tamil Nadu, providing education to 73,000 students through affiliated and constituent colleges | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Tirunelveli | 510 | 1990 |
| 23 | [YRG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yrg) (yrgmerf.org)<br>Established in 1993, this organization has developed a comprehensive response to the HIV/AIDS challenge over the years | Non-profit Organizations | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 487 | 1993 |
| 24 | [SSN Institutions, Chennai, India](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ssn-institutions-chennai-india) (ssn.edu.in)<br>An educational institution with excellent infrastructure, focusing on IT and emerging fields, providing access to education through merit-based admissions and scholarships | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 444 | 1996 |
| 25 | [National Institute of Ocean Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-institute-of-ocean-technology) (niot.res.in)<br>An autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences in India specializing in developing ocean technologies for sustainable resource utilization and environmental management | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 418 | 1993 |
| 26 | [BSA Crescent Institute of Science and Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bsa-crescent-institute-of-science-and-technology) (crescent.education)<br>Provides innovative and high-quality interdisciplinary engineering education, accredited programs, and modern facilities to shape students for successful careers in industry or academia | Education Administration Programs | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 396 | 1984 |
| 27 | [Indian Institute of Information Technology Design & Manufacturing Kancheepuram](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/indian-institute-of-information-technology-design-and-manufacturing-kancheepuram) (iiitdm.ac.in)<br>A Center of Excellence for design and manufacturing engineering education and research established by the Government of India | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 368 | 2007 |
| 28 | [Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/central-institute-of-petrochemicals-engineering-and-technology-cipet) (cipet.gov.in)<br>The company offers education and training for skilled labor in the plastics and polymer science fields, as well as product development and mold production services | Education Administration Programs | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 353 | 1968 |
| 29 | [Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/central-university-of-tamil-nadu-tiruvarur) (cutn.ac.in)<br>A higher education institution located in Tamil Nadu, India, providing academic programs and research opportunities for students | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Thiruvarur | 340 |  |
| 30 | [Anna University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/anna-university) (annauniv.edu)<br>A public state university in Chennai, India, founded in 1978, named after a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 337 |  |
| 31 | [M S Swaminathan Research Foundation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/m-s-swaminathan-research-foundation) (mssrf.org)<br>A not-for-profit research institution founded by agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan in 1988, focusing on sustainable agricultural and rural development | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 328 | 1988 |
| 32 | [ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR - NIE)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/icmr-national-institute-of-epidemiology-icmr-nie) (nie.gov.in)<br>A hospital & health care company located in Chennai, India, specializing in epidemiology research and studies under the ICMR | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 320 |  |
| 33 | [Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-coimbatore) (amrita.edu)<br>A private deemed university in India offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields across multiple campuses | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Ettimadai | 315 |  |
| 34 | [Dr. M. G. R. Educational & Research Institute University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dr-m-g-r-educational-and-research-institute-university) (drmgrdu.ac.in)<br>An education management organization in Chennai, India that operates an educational and research institute on Periyar E V R High Road | Education Administration Programs | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 308 |  |
| 35 | [Cancer Institute (WIA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cancer-institute-wia) (cancerinstitutewia.in)<br>A non-profit cancer institute providing comprehensive care, research, education, and prevention services, focusing on accessibility and affordability for all | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Gandhi Nagar | 187 | 1954 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Tamil Nadu

- [The largest companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-tamil-nadu) (1,609)
- [Manufacturers in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-tamil-nadu) (303)
- [Multinational companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-tamil-nadu) (285)
- [Education providers in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-tamil-nadu) (258)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-tamil-nadu) (226)
- [Higher Education companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-tamil-nadu) (168)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-tamil-nadu) (152)
- [IT services companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-tamil-nadu) (140)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-tamil-nadu) (128)
- [Retail chains in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-tamil-nadu) (96)
- [Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/automotive-companies-tamil-nadu) (95)
- [Education Administration Programs companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-administration-programs-companies-tamil-nadu) (91)
- [Publicly traded companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-tamil-nadu) (83)
- [Professional services firms in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-tamil-nadu) (82)
- [Financial services firms in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-tamil-nadu) (77)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-tamil-nadu) (77)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-tamil-nadu) (76)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-tamil-nadu) (75)
- [Financial Services companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-tamil-nadu) (75)
- [Healthcare providers in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-tamil-nadu) (74)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-tamil-nadu) (70)
- [Motor Vehicle Manufacturing companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/motor-vehicle-manufacturing-companies-tamil-nadu) (68)
- [Consulting firms in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-tamil-nadu) (61)
- [Software Development companies in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-tamil-nadu) (58)

## The same list elsewhere in India

- [Research institutes in India](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-india) (372)
- [Research institutes in Maharashtra](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-maharashtra) (43)
- [Research institutes in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-karnataka) (34)
- [Research institutes in Uttar Pradesh](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-uttar-pradesh) (31)
- [Research institutes in New Delhi](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-new-delhi) (34)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Asia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-asia) (853)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-tamil-nadu