The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced plans to establish its first international academic campus in the United States through a partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury, marking a major milestone in the institute's global expansion strategy.
The collaboration was formalised through a Letter of Intent signed by IIT Bombay Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare and SUNY Old Westbury President Dr. Timothy E. Sams. The initiative aims to develop academic programmes and research opportunities in science, engineering and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, at the Long Island campus in New York.
Initially, the institutions will focus on faculty and researcher exchanges, joint research projects, conferences and academic collaborations. Certificate programmes are expected to commence in 2027, followed by undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree programmes in phases.
Since SUNY Old Westbury does not currently offer engineering programmes, IIT Bombay will help develop engineering education by contributing its academic expertise, curriculum and faculty. The programmes will be open to students from the United States and across the world.
Prof. Kedare said the partnership combines the complementary strengths of both institutions and has the potential to create a globally competitive academic ecosystem. Dr. Sams described IIT Bombay as a world-class institution and said the collaboration would strengthen teaching, innovation and research while creating a significant IIT Bombay presence on the SUNY campus.
The announcement was made during a virtual event attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Higher Education Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi and India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The initiative is being viewed as a significant step in strengthening India-US cooperation in higher education, research and innovation.