IIT Bombay to establish first US academic sub-campus in New York

IIT Bombay has signed a Letter of Intent with the State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury to establish its first academic sub-campus in the United States, marking a major step in the institute's global expansion.

The agreement was signed by IIT Bombay Director Prof Shireesh Kedare and SUNY Old Westbury President Dr Timothy E Sams at the university's Long Island campus in New York. Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan was present during the signing ceremony.

Under the partnership, the two institutions will develop academic and research programs in science, engineering, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The collaboration will include undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs, along with joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and academic conferences.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the partnership as a milestone in India-US academic relations, saying it would strengthen research, expand opportunities for students and scholars, and deepen knowledge collaboration between the two countries.

According to SUNY Old Westbury, the partnership will initially focus on faculty and researcher exchanges, collaborative research projects, and academic events before expanding into joint degree programs.

"IIT Bombay is excited to work with SUNY Old Westbury, whose leadership is committed to quality education and is forward-looking in its outlook," Prof Kedare said, adding that the institutions' complementary strengths would allow the partnership to grow significantly.

SUNY Old Westbury President Dr Sams said the university plans to establish a "robust IIT Bombay presence" on its campus, giving students opportunities to benefit from joint teaching and research in fields such as physics and engineering while preparing future global leaders.

The announcement was attended virtually by Minister Pradhan, Higher Education Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, and India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

Officials said the initiative represents one of the most significant developments in the expanding India-US partnership in higher education and research.

The collaboration marks IIT Bombay's first academic sub-campus in the US and reflects the growing international outreach of Indian higher education institutions through global academic partnerships.