The Indus Entrepreneurs’ Chennai chapter, a network of over 750 businesspersons, will launch a State-wide scout for four ideas with potential to become billion-dollar enterprises.

The Billion Dollar Babies, which may range from concepts to working business models, will be presented at the annual TiECON conference to be held on October 31 and November 1 at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.

The selection criterion will be sector-agnostic, and the panel of experts will not only look at usual parameters such as revenues but also the promise to grow exponentially, said Lakshmi Narayanan, President TiE Chennai. The founding member of tech major Cognizant Technology Solutions said TiE Chennai’s members and the vibrant venture capitalism in the State will provide a path for the chosen firms.

R Narayan, Chairman of the event’s Programme Committee, said industrialists in the State maintain a low profile. “This programme will spotlight the hidden jewels,” he said. This year’s conference will include the a contest to pitch business ideas, Pitch Fest, and also the usual awards programme.

S Gopal, Chairman, TiECON Chennai 2014, said the event will witness 1,500 delegates.