IIT Bombay to Establish First Overseas Campus in US

On 26 June 2026, during a virtual meeting between Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury, the two institutions announced a landmark academic partnership. The announcement was made in the presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble Union Minister of Education, Government of India; Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, Government of India; and Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States.

Under this partnership, IIT Bombay and SUNY Old Westbury will collaborate to develop new educational and research opportunities at SUNY Old Westbury's campus on Long Island, New York.

The collaboration will be formalized through a Letter of Intent signed by Professor Shireesh Kedare and Dr. Timothy E. Sams in the presence of Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan. The two institutions will work together to develop academic programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels in science and engineering, with an initial focus on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. They will also establish a framework for collaborative research initiatives.

"IIT Bombay is recognized as a world-class institution," said Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of SUNY Old Westbury. "We are excited to establish a direct partnership that advances excellence in teaching, innovation, and research in disciplines such as physics and engineering. Our goal is to build a strong IIT Bombay presence on our campus and, together, prepare the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and economic growth across our region, our state, our nation, and the world."

The initial phase of cooperation is expected to include faculty and researcher exchanges, joint research projects, and the organization of joint conferences and academic symposia. These activities will lay the foundation for the future development of joint academic programs and degree offerings.

India's Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, welcomed the partnership, describing it as "a living corridor of knowledge between India and the United States." He noted that the collaboration would create "win-win opportunities" for students and scholars in both countries while advancing research and innovation in frontier technologies.

According to media reports, IIT Bombay will establish its first overseas sub-campus in the United States through this partnership with SUNY Old Westbury. The first certificate programs are expected to be launched in 2027. The proposed sub-campus will enable IIT Bombay to deliver its academic programs from the SUNY Old Westbury campus.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, Professor Shireesh Kedare explained, "Establishing an entirely new campus in the United States would have required land acquisition and multiple regulatory approvals. By partnering with an existing American university, we can bypass these administrative processes and focus our efforts on developing high-quality academic programs."

The initial certificate programs will focus on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and clean technologies. Over time, the collaboration is expected to expand to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in science and engineering, serving students from the United States, India, and around the world.

About IIT Bombay

Established in 1958 as the second Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Bombay is internationally recognized as one of India's premier institutions for science, engineering, technology, and research. On 9 July 2018, the Government of India conferred upon IIT Bombay the status of an Institution of Eminence, recognizing its outstanding academic and research achievements.

IIT Bombay is renowned for its distinguished faculty, world-class research, strong industry partnerships, and the exceptional quality of its graduates. The Institute comprises 81 academic departments, centres, and interdisciplinary programmes. Over the past six decades, it has educated more than 75,000 engineers, scientists, and technology professionals.

The Institute is home to approximately 760 full-time faculty members, including 121 women faculty, in addition to 241 part-time faculty members. Its faculty are widely recognized both nationally and internationally for their excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.