IIT Madras Unveils Global Research Foundation to Build India’s First Multinational University

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the IITM Global Research Foundation, a landmark international initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), on campus on 2 January 2026. The launch marks a significant step in IIT Madras’ vision to evolve into the world’s first multinational university, positioning the institute as a globally networked hub for education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The event also saw the inauguration of IITM Festival Fortnight, which includes an Open House offering public access to IIT Madras laboratories and innovation centres, alongside Shaastra, the annual technical festival (2–6 January 2026), and Saarang, the annual cultural festival (8–12 January 2026).

Ranked #1 Overall and #1 Engineering Institute in India under NIRF for multiple consecutive years, and placed #180 globally in the QS World University Rankings, IIT Madras is building on its academic leadership to expand its global education and research footprint.

During a fireside chat, the EAM emphasised the role of communication, cultural confidence, and democratic values in shaping India’s global engagement. He highlighted how India’s foreign policy increasingly leverages domestic institutional strengths—such as IIT Madras—to create global impact, citing the establishment of an IIT Madras campus in Tanzania as an example of education-led diplomacy.

As part of the IITM Global rollout, IIT Madras has signed multiple memoranda of understanding with international partners across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Dubai, Asia-Pacific regions including Singapore and Malaysia, and under the India-for-Global initiative. These partnerships focus on joint research, startup and industry collaboration, global talent mobility, and commercialisation of deep-tech innovation.

Prof. V. Kamakoti Director of IIT Madras outlined IITM Global’s four-pillar strategy: taking Indian technologies to global markets; enabling joint development projects with international partners; supporting startups in accessing overseas business opportunities; and attracting foreign investment into India’s innovation ecosystem. Initial global presences are being established in the United States, Dubai, Malaysia, and Germany, with plans for expansion.

Designed as a plug-and-play global innovation platform, IITM Global enables researchers, startups, and industry partners to access international markets, capital, and advanced research opportunities. Anchored in IIT Madras’ world-class faculty, nearly 100 laboratories, and strong industry linkages, the initiative aims to drive innovation-led growth, employability, and global knowledge exchange.

With strengths across AI and Data Science, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Space Technology, Energy and Sustainability, Health Tech, and Green Tech, IITM Global is set to redefine how the world engages with Indian higher education and research.