The Busy Brains
21 Jun 2023
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani makes a remarkable donation of INR 315 crores to IIT Bombay, his alma mater, to support infrastructure development, research in emerging domains, and deep-tech startup ecosystem. Discover the significance of this generous contribution and its impact on the institution's growth.
Renowned entrepreneur and Infosys co-founder, Nandan Nilekani, has made a generous donation of INR 315 crores to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This remarkable contribution celebrates his remarkable 50-year association with the esteemed institution, where he pursued his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1973.
Nilekani's significant donation aims to propel the development of world-class infrastructure, foster research in emerging fields of engineering and technology, and nurture a thriving ecosystem for deep-tech startups at IIT Bombay. It stands as one of the largest contributions ever made by an alumnus in India, showcasing Nilekani's steadfast dedication to the growth and success of his alma mater.
Expressing his deep-rooted gratitude towards the institute, Nilekani shared, "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."
Beyond its financial value, this donation holds deep personal significance for Nilekani. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his life and a commitment to the aspiring students who hold the power to shape the future.
The official Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Nilekani and Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri, the Director of IIT Bombay, during a momentous ceremony in Bengaluru.
Commenting on this historic donation, Professor Chaudhuri emphasized its transformative impact, stating, "We are extremely delighted to see our illustrious alumnus Nandan Nilekani continuing his foundational and pioneering contributions to the Institute. This historic donation will significantly accelerate the growth of IIT Bombay and will firmly set it on a path of global leadership."
It is worth highlighting that Nilekani had previously made grants amounting to INR 85 crores to the institute, bringing his total contribution to an astounding INR 400 crores. With this latest donation, Nilekani's vision of fostering world-class infrastructure, driving research in cutting-edge domains, and nurturing a thriving deep-tech startup ecosystem at IIT Bombay is poised to become a reality.