Nandan Nilekani Donates Rs 315 Crores to IIT Bombay

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and chairman, Infosys Ltd. and Founding Chairman of UIDAI, has made a donation of Rs 315 Crores ($38.5 Million) to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This substantial contribution, which follows his previous grants totaling Rs 85 Crores, will support the institute's vision of becoming a global leader in technology and engineering.

The donation will be used to enhance the institute's infrastructure, facilitate research in emerging areas of engineering and technology, and foster a thriving deep tech startup ecosystem at IIT Bombay. The Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the donation was signed by Nandan Nilekani and Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director of IIT Bombay.

Nilekani's association with IIT Bombay spans 50 years, as he joined the institute in 1973 to pursue a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. This donation serves as a celebration of his golden jubilee with the institute and demonstrates his deep connection to his alma mater. It is also one of the largest contributions made by an alumnus in India.

Expressing his gratitude and commitment to IIT Bombay, Nilekani stated, "IIT-Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this esteemed institution, I am grateful to give forward and contribute to its future."

Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director of IIT Bombay, hailed the donation as the beginning of a new era for the institute. He emphasized that Nilekani's historic contribution will accelerate IIT Bombay's growth and propel it towards global leadership. The institute aims to achieve research and academic excellence to address pressing challenges and position India as a leader in scientific discovery.

Nilekani's continued involvement with IIT Bombay has been substantial, having served on the Board of the IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation and the Board of Governors. His previous contributions have played a vital role in constructing new hostels, supporting the School of Information Technology, and establishing India's first university incubator. He has been recognized with the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award and an Honorary Doctorate.

Looking ahead, IIT Bombay plans to establish world-class centers of excellence in areas like Artificial Intelligence, green energy, and quantum computing. The strategic plan also includes nurturing a deep tech startup ecosystem and providing top-notch research and academic facilities. The institute aims to raise approximately USD 500 million over the next five years, and Nilekani's significant anchor contribution of USD 38.5 Million will catalyze this transformative initiative and inspire further philanthropic support.