Alumnus Nandan Nilekani Makes History with ₹315 Crore Donation to IIT Bombay

Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder and non-executive chairman of Infosys, recently made a remarkable donation of Rs 315 crore ($38.5 million) to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This generous contribution, one of the largest ever made by an alumnus of an educational institution in India, coincides with the golden jubilee of Nilekani's association with IIT Bombay. The funds will be instrumental in enhancing infrastructure, promoting cutting-edge research in emerging engineering fields, and fostering a thriving deep-tech startup ecosystem at the institute.

Nilekani's Association with IIT Bombay:

Nandan Nilekani's deep-rooted connection with IIT Bombay began in 1973 when he enrolled in the institute for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Since then, Nilekani has remained closely connected with the institution, serving on the Board of the IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation and the Board of Governors. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Nilekani was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999 and received an Honorary Doctorate in 2019 during IIT Bombay's 57th convocation.

A Tribute to a Transformative Institution:

Expressing his gratitude and commitment to IIT Bombay, Nilekani remarked, "IIT Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey." His generous donation goes beyond mere financial support; it is a tribute to the place that has given him so much and a dedication to the students who will shape our future. Nilekani's initial contributions totaling Rs 85 crore have already played a vital role in constructing hostels, supporting the School of Information Technology, and establishing India's first university incubator, thereby boosting the country's startup ecosystem.