Illinois Institute of Technology will establish a new campus in Mumbai’s Godrej Business District, set to open in fall 2026, offering degrees in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and data science.
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), a prominent technology-focused research university in the United States, has announced plans to open a new campus in Mumbai, India, in the fall of 2026. The campus will be situated in the Godrej Business District, a hub known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
This strategic location reflects Illinois Tech’s longstanding relationship with India and its dedication to empowering global talent through academic excellence, as stated in a university release. The campus aims to provide industry-aligned degrees and experiential learning opportunities, strategically positioned among over 100 companies, including multinational corporations.
The decision to establish the campus carries personal significance, rooted in the university’s connection to Jamshyd N. Godrej, an alumnus and the chairman and managing director of Godrej & Boyce. This initiative marks a significant milestone, following Illinois Tech’s historic approval earlier this year as the first U.S. university authorized by India’s University Grants Commission to establish a degree-granting campus in the country.
Illinois Tech’s Mumbai campus will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in high-demand fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and business. The curriculum will mirror the academically rigorous, experiential, and multidisciplinary approach that characterizes Illinois Tech’s education in Chicago, while also providing students with access to career pathways in India’s rapidly evolving economy.
Spanning approximately 90,000 square feet, the new campus will feature purpose-built academic and research facilities designed to support rigorous and interdisciplinary learning. Planned amenities include advanced classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, a modern library with both digital and physical resources, and collaborative learning spaces that connect Illinois Tech’s global campuses.
Students will also benefit from recreational facilities, including sports fields, an indoor complex, and an amphitheater, alongside student services and access to faculty members from Chicago and around the world. These faculty members will teach course modules, lead seminars, and engage in joint research initiatives with local educational and industry partners.
The announcement of the new campus followed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and lamp-lighting event at the site, during which Illinois Tech and Godrej & Boyce signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration.
Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi emphasized the significance of this new campus, stating, “Illinois Tech’s relationship with India is decades long, deeply personal, and foundational to our mission. Our Indian alumni have shaped industries, advanced technological innovation, and made extraordinary contributions across the world.”
He added, “Establishing our Mumbai campus in a district led by one of our most distinguished alumni, Jamshyd N. Godrej, represents a meaningful continuation of that shared history. It allows us to bring world-class Illinois Tech education to India in a place that embodies innovation, purpose, and community.”
The Godrej Business District, home to Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited, offers modern infrastructure and strong connectivity to Mumbai’s corporate and research ecosystem. This environment supports Illinois Tech’s applied and interdisciplinary approach to STEM education.
Jamshyd Godrej expressed his honor at Illinois Tech’s choice of location for the new campus, stating, “The education and experience I gained at Illinois Tech were instrumental in shaping my career and the impact I was able to create through the Godrej brand.” He further noted, “Having served on the university’s board for more than 25 years, I have seen firsthand its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and opportunity. This moment represents a powerful continuation of that legacy, and I look forward to the transformative opportunities it will create for students in India.”
As many global universities look to expand into India, Illinois Tech’s presence is built on decades of connection. The university boasts a community of over 10,000 alumni from India, making it a significant part of Illinois Tech’s journey and a source of one of its largest international student populations. In the 1990s, Illinois Tech even delivered distance-learning programs to India via television, long before online education became mainstream.
This new campus in Mumbai represents a significant step forward for Illinois Tech, reinforcing its commitment to fostering educational opportunities and innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic economies, according to The American Bazaar.