In a landmark move for Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is set to establish its first-ever overseas sub-campus in the United States by 2027. The new campus will be developed in collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury, marking IIT Bombay’s first academic expansion outside India. The initiative aims to strengthen educational and research ties between India and the United States while expanding the global footprint of one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions.
The announcement comes amid a broader push by Indian institutions to internationalise higher education and create global opportunities for students, researchers and faculty members.
Partnership with SUNY Old Westbury
IIT Bombay and SUNY Old Westbury have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on engineering education, research and emerging technologies. Since SUNY Old Westbury currently does not offer engineering programmes, IIT Bombay will contribute its expertise to develop engineering-focused academic offerings and research initiatives.
The collaboration is expected to facilitate faculty exchanges, joint research projects, innovation programmes and academic partnerships that benefit students from both countries.
Focus on AI, Sustainability and Clean Technology
The first academic programmes at the US campus are expected to begin in 2027. Initially, IIT Bombay will offer certificate courses in high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability and clean technology. Degree programmes are expected to be introduced gradually in subsequent phases.
The institute also plans to establish research laboratories and innovation centres that will focus on emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research. These facilities are expected to encourage collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers.
Expanding India’s Global Academic Presence
The proposed US campus represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to position its higher education institutions on the global stage. While IIT Madras became the first IIT to establish an international campus through its Zanzibar initiative, IIT Bombay’s move into the United States marks the institute’s first direct overseas academic presence.
Education experts believe the initiative could enhance global access to IIT-quality education, attract international students and strengthen India’s reputation as a hub for science, engineering and technology education.
Strategic Benefits for Students
The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for student mobility, global internships, collaborative research and industry partnerships. Faculty members from IIT Bombay’s Powai campus are expected to participate in teaching and curriculum development at the US facility.
By establishing a presence in one of the world’s largest education markets, IIT Bombay hopes to foster stronger academic networks and prepare students for increasingly global careers in technology and innovation.
Summary
IIT Bombay will establish its first overseas sub-campus in the United States by 2027 through a partnership with SUNY Old Westbury in New York. The campus will initially offer certificate programmes in AI, sustainability and clean technology, with degree courses planned later. The initiative aims to boost India-US academic collaboration, expand research opportunities and strengthen IIT Bombay’s global presence in higher education.
