IIT Bombay Receives Rs 160 Crore Anonymous Donation

New Delhi: In a rare occurrence, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Bombay received a donation of $18.6 million (Rs 160 crore) from an alumnus who doesn’t want his identity to be revealed. The donation from the anonymous source came for the establishment of a Green Energy and Sustainability Research (GESR) Hub.

“It is the first time that we have received an anonymous donation. In fact, while this is common in the USA, I don’t think any university in India has received a private gift where the donor wants to remain faceless. Donors know that when they give IIT-B money, it will be used efficiently and for the right purpose,” IIT Bombay director Prof. Subhasis Chaudhari was quoted as saying.

The funds allocated to the GESR Hub will support research in vital domains like solar photovoltaics, battery technologies, clean-air science, flood forecasting, and carbon capture. The establishment of this hub underscores our dedication to tackling climate challenges through cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and nurturing entrepreneurial endeavours.

The GESR hub will be situated within a modern academic facility on the IIT Bombay Campus in suburban Powai. In addition, the research centre will offer industry-specific educational training and foster strategic partnerships with international universities and corporations.