IIT Madras launches global research foundation to become first multinational university

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Dec 1 launched the IITM Global Research Foundation, a strategic initiative by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras designed to make the institute the world’s first multinational university.

The foundation aims to enhance IIT Madras’ international presence by promoting global research partnerships, supporting startups, encouraging innovation, and facilitating academic collaborations across countries, positioning the institute as a hub for global education and entrepreneurship.

The launch coincided with the inauguration of the ‘IITM Festival Fortnight,’ which includes the institute’s Open House, offering the public access to laboratories and innovation centers, as well as Shaastra, IIT Madras’ annual technical festival (Jan 2–6, 2026), and Saarang, the cultural festival (Jan 8–12, 2026).

The event was attended by IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti, Dean of Global Engagement Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, CEO of IITM Global Research Foundation Madhav Narayan, along with faculty members, researchers, and students.

On preventing misinterpretation of India’s intentions abroad, Jaishankar said, “If you communicate well, clearly, and honestly, other countries respect it and accept it.”

He added that India’s civilizational confidence and democratic choices remain central to shaping partnerships with nations around the world.

Highlighting India’s approach to foreign policy, the minister said, “Countries have grown by growing at home and then engaging abroad, leveraging the international environment in a way that contributes to it and gains from it. When we say ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ the term means that we have never considered the world as an inimical or hostile place from which we have to defensively protect ourselves.”

“We have limitations on our resources. With limited resources, how do you have maximum impact? That is actually the problem that has to be solved. What we try to do in Indian foreign policy and diplomacy today is solve that problem. We try to do that partly using our competitiveness and strengths and leveraging other institutions and possibilities,” he added.

As part of IITM Global’s international expansion, the institute has signed multiple agreements with partners worldwide, including three in the US, one in the UK, three in Germany, three in Dubai, three in the Asia-Pacific region, and six under the India-for-Global initiative.

These partnerships will focus on collaborative research, industry tie-ups, startup support, and global talent exchange.

Prof Kamakoti explained that IITM Global will operate through four pillars: transferring technology to global markets, initiating joint international research projects, creating overseas business opportunities for IIT Madras startups, and attracting foreign investment into the institute’s innovation ecosystem.

The first centers are planned in the US, Dubai, Malaysia, and Germany, with further expansion envisioned.

Designed as a flexible global platform, IITM Global will connect researchers, startups, and industry with international markets, capital, and research opportunities, strengthening IIT Madras’ role in global innovation and its impact on society.