Nandan Nilekani’s Golden Gift to IIT Bombay: Rs 315 Crore Donation for AI, Green Energy and Quantum Computing
Nandan Nilekani, who graduated from IIT Bombay in 1978 with a degree in electrical engineering, has donated Rs 315 crore to the institute that shaped his formative years and laid the foundation for his journey. The donation, which is among the largest made to any educational institute in the country, will help IIT Bombay set up centres of excellence and fund research in the fields of artificial intelligence, green energy, and quantum computing.
A new era of IIT Bombay
The donation was announced on Tuesday when Nilekani signed a memorandum of understanding for the sum with institute director Subhasis Chaudhuri in Bengaluru. With this donation, Nilekani’s total contribution to the institute has reached Rs 400 crore.
Chaudhuri called the occasion “the beginning of a new era of IIT Bombay”.
“We are extremely delighted to see our illustrious alumnus Nandan Nilekani continuing his foundational & pioneering contributions to the institute,” he said in a statement.
“This historic donation will significantly accelerate the growth of IIT Bombay and will firmly set it on a path of global leadership. IIT Bombay is committed to building research and academic excellence that can make India a leader in scientific discovery and its translation towards solving the pressing challenges facing humankind. Nandan’s contribution will catalyse philanthropic contributions towards advancing research & development at universities in India.”
A tribute and a commitment
Nilekani, who is also the co-founder of Infosys and the founding chairman of UIDAI, said that his donation was more than just a financial contribution; it was a tribute to the place that had given him so much and a commitment to the students who will shape the world tomorrow.
“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,” he said in a statement.
In a statement of his own, Nilekani said, “This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it is a tribute to the place that has given me so much and a commitment to the students who will shape our world tomorrow”.
Nandan Nilekani Donation
| Nandan Nilekani’s Donation to IIT Bombay | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Rs 315 crore |
| Purpose | To set up centres of excellence and fund research in artificial intelligence, green energy, and quantum computing |
| Total contribution | Rs 400 crore |
| Year of graduation | 1978 |
| Degree | Electrical engineering |
Nandan Nilekani: The Architect of India’s Digital Revolution and Advocate for Technological Social Good
Nandan Nilekani has played a significant role in the development of India by leveraging his expertise and experience in information technology. He has helped create and implement some of the most impactful digital public infrastructure projects in India, such as Aadhaar, UPI, and GST.
He has also contributed to the growth and innovation of the Indian IT industry as a co-founder and leader of Infosys, one of the largest IT services companies in India.
He has also been involved in various social and philanthropic initiatives, such as education, urbanization, biodiversity, and microfinance. He has been a champion of using technology for social good and empowering millions of Indians with digital access and inclusion12. He has also been a trusted adviser to the government on various policy and strategic matters related to technology and development.
Read more: Nandan Nilekani – India CSR
(India CSR)
