Kharagpur: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, has proudly reacted to its alumnus Sundar Pichai being featured on the cover of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2026 issue.
“From the classrooms of the IIT Kharagpur to the cover of TIME. Our distinguished alumnus Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and @Google, has been featured on the cover of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2026 issue, recognising Alphabet’s transformative leadership in Artificial Intelligence, global technology innovation, and digital impact,” IIT Kharagpur posted on its official X handle with an image of the magazine cover.
The institute went on to further praise the Google CEO’s leadership style and his contribution to the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
“An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, Shri Pichai continues to inspire millions worldwide through his visionary, calm, and future-focused leadership in shaping the AI era. His remarkable journey stands as a proud reflection of the Institute’s enduring legacy of innovation, excellence, and global leadership,” the post added.
This comes at a time when Alphabet and Google continue to play a major role in the global artificial intelligence race. Under Pichai’s leadership, Google has expanded its focus on AI products, digital tools and technological innovation, strengthening its position as one of the world’s most influential companies.
Pichai had earlier been honoured with an honorary doctorate in 2024. He had then shared a note expressing gratitude to his alma mater and reflected on how the institute helped shape his journey to Google, Hindustan Times reported.
“Last week I was grateful to receive an honorary doctorate from my alma mater IIT Kharagpur. My parents always hoped I would get my doctorate, I think an honorary one still counts,” Pichai wrote.
“The access to education and technology at IIT put me on a path to Google and helping more people access technology. IIT’s role in technology will only grow in importance with the AI revolution, and I will always be thankful for my time there,” he added, sharing photographs from the ceremony.
He was awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), while his wife, Anjali Pichai, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at an event in San Francisco.
