Illinois Tech Shocks India: 1st U.S. University to Launch Game-Changing Mumbai Campus in 2026

The Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has secured approval from India’s University Grants Commission to establish a Mumbai campus, becoming the first American university to offer U.S.-accredited STEM and business degrees in India starting fall 2026. This strategic move addresses surging demand for skilled talent, fueled by a 150% spike in U.S. investment in India over five years and the rapid expansion of American firms in the region. The campus will replicate Illinois Tech’s Chicago-based experiential learning model, including its career-focused Elevate program, blending globally recruited faculty with local industry insights to ensure graduates meet both U.S. and Indian workforce needs.

Rooted in a 25-year legacy of innovation in India—from videocassette lectures in the 1990s to a physical campus today—the initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which aims to transform the country into a global education hub by 2047. By offering affordable access to high-impact education, Illinois Tech bridges gaps in tech talent while fostering cross-border collaboration, enabling students in both nations to study abroad and engage in joint research. Alumni like Godrej & Boyce’s Jamshyd Godrej underscore the university’s role in shaping leaders who drive innovation, positioning the campus as a catalyst for Indo-American economic and educational synergy.

This pioneering venture redefines global higher education, prioritizing accessibility, industry alignment, and societal impact.

Illinois Tech Shocks India: 1st U.S. University to Launch Game-Changing Mumbai Campus in 2026

In a landmark move for international education, the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has become the first U.S. university to secure approval from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a degree-granting campus in Mumbai. Slated to open in fall 2026, the campus will offer U.S.-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, engineering, and business, addressing critical gaps in global STEM talent while reinforcing Indo-American educational collaboration.  

Strategic Expansion in a Growing Market 

The decision reflects Illinois Tech’s response to surging demand for industry-aligned education in India, a country where U.S. foreign direct investment has skyrocketed from $4.1 billion to $10.5 billion over the past five years. With thousands of American companies scaling operations across India, the need for locally accessible, globally recognized education has never been more urgent.  

“This isn’t just about expanding our footprint—it’s about future-proofing global industries,” says Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “By embedding our Chicago-rooted educational model in Mumbai, we’re creating a talent pipeline that benefits both U.S. employers and India’s booming tech ecosystem.”  

Bridging Educational Gaps with Localized Curriculum 

The Mumbai campus will mirror Illinois Tech’s signature experiential learning approach, including its Elevate program, which guarantees students internships, research projects, and career-focused mentorship. Courses will be taught by a blend of Chicago-based faculty and globally recruited educators, ensuring academic rigor while incorporating local industry insights.  

Mallik Sundharam, Vice President for Enrollment Management, highlights the strategic balance: “We’re meeting learners where they are—geographically and culturally—while equipping them with skills that transcend borders. It’s education without compromise.”  

A Legacy of Innovation 

Illinois Tech’s ties to India date back to 1998, long before remote learning became mainstream. In a pre-internet era, the university shipped videocassettes of lectures to India, broadcasting classes via a dedicated TV channel for professionals. Today, this legacy evolves into a physical campus, aligning with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which aims to position the country as a global education hub by 2047.  

“This initiative embodies the policy’s vision,” notes Shri Somnath Ghosh, India’s Consul General in Chicago. “It fosters cross-border knowledge exchange, empowering India’s youth to drive innovation locally and globally.”  

Economic Mobility Meets Global Collaboration 

Ranked #1 in Illinois for graduate earnings and economic mobility, Illinois Tech brings a proven track record of transforming student outcomes. The Mumbai campus will extend this mission, offering affordable access to U.S. credentials in a region where demand for tech education outpaces supply.  

Alumni like Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman of Godrej & Boyce, underscore the university’s impact: “Illinois Tech’s blend of technical rigor and entrepreneurial thinking shaped my leadership. This campus will unlock similar opportunities for India’s next generation.”  

The Road Ahead 

The Mumbai venture opens doors for cross-campus collaboration, enabling students in both countries to study abroad, engage in joint research, and build networks across continents. For U.S. employers, it promises a steady stream of graduates versed in both American industry standards and India’s dynamic market nuances.  

As Echambadi asserts, “Tomorrow’s leaders must thrive in interconnected environments. By democratizing access to world-class STEM education, we’re not just serving students—we’re shaping the future of global innovation.”  

With this bold step, Illinois Tech redefines what it means to be a global university, proving that educational excellence and societal impact can transcend geographical boundaries.