Author – Ritesh Ranjan: IIT Madras is entering a new phase of global expansion, research excellence and innovation-led education. From the growth of its Zanzibar campus to the launch of international innovation centres in Dubai and the United States, the Institute is steadily building an academic presence that extends far beyond India.
Recognised as an Institute of Eminence in 2020, IIT Madras has been using its special grant to strengthen research, develop interdisciplinary academic clusters and expand global partnerships. Its recent initiatives demonstrate a broader vision: to create an internationally connected university ecosystem that brings together education, research, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.
IIT Madras Zanzibar Emerges as a Global Education Hub
One of the most important elements of IIT Madras’ international strategy is the growth of IIT Madras Zanzibar, also known as IITMZ.
Presenting the Director’s Report, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti highlighted the progress made by the overseas campus. IITM Zanzibar currently hosts 130 students from different countries, reflecting its growing appeal as a destination for international higher education.
Around 51% of the students are from Tanzania, while the remaining students come from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and India. This diverse student population gives the campus a strong international character and creates opportunities for cross-cultural academic collaboration.
The performance of IITM Zanzibar’s inaugural M.Tech. graduating batch has also been encouraging. The batch achieved 100% industrial placement, with students joining organisations such as SuperDoll, Zantel and Airtel.
The placement achievement is particularly significant because it indicates strong industry acceptance of IIT Madras’ academic programmes in the African region. It also highlights the growing demand for students with advanced technical, analytical and digital skills.
Enrollment at IITM Zanzibar to Reach 500 Students
IIT Madras has ambitious plans for the next phase of the Zanzibar campus. The Institute aims to increase enrollment to between 350 and 500 students by 2027.
To support this expansion, IITM Zanzibar plans to accelerate faculty recruitment, improve research infrastructure and develop stronger partnerships with industries in East Africa and other international markets.
The campus is also expected to introduce new programmes and academic opportunities that respond to the changing requirements of students, employers and regional economies.
By expanding its faculty and infrastructure, IITM Zanzibar can emerge as an important centre for technology education, applied research and professional development in East Africa.
East Africa’s First Research-Integrated Startup Studio
Another major development planned at IITM Zanzibar is the creation of East Africa’s first research-integrated Startup Studio.
The proposed Startup Studio will connect academic learning, research and entrepreneurship. It can provide students and researchers with the resources, mentorship and industry exposure required to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Traditional university education often focuses primarily on classroom learning and academic qualifications. However, modern institutions are increasingly expected to support entrepreneurship, job creation and technology development.
A research-integrated Startup Studio can help bridge the gap between academic discoveries and commercial applications. Students may receive opportunities to work on real-world problems, test business ideas, build prototypes and interact with investors or industry experts.
The initiative can also contribute to regional development by supporting startups that address challenges in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, financial technology, mobility, sustainability and digital infrastructure.
Institute of Eminence Status Strengthens Research
IIT Madras’ Institute of Eminence status has played an important role in strengthening its research capabilities. Through an internal competitive selection process, the Institute has supported several interdisciplinary research initiatives.
These projects cover important clusters such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences, Safety Science and Systems, and Sensing and Vision.
The cluster-based approach allows researchers from different academic departments to collaborate on complex challenges. Instead of limiting projects to a single discipline, IIT Madras can combine expertise from engineering, science, data analysis, design and management.
This approach is increasingly important because many modern problems require interdisciplinary solutions. Artificial intelligence, for example, has applications in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, education, agriculture and public services.
Similarly, research in sensing, vision and safety systems can support the development of autonomous technologies, smart infrastructure, industrial automation and advanced monitoring solutions.
By funding targeted research clusters, IIT Madras is building an ecosystem where high-impact research can contribute to technological development and practical problem-solving.
IITM Global Foundation Marks a Major Milestone
The launch of the IITM Global Foundation was another important milestone in the Institute’s international journey. The Foundation was launched by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and supports IIT Madras’ long-term ambition of becoming the world’s first multinational university.
The concept of a multinational university goes beyond opening campuses in different countries. It involves creating a connected global network of academic programmes, research centres, innovation hubs, industry partnerships and international communities.
Through IITM Global, IIT Madras is working to build this network across major global locations.
Soon after the Foundation’s launch, IITM Global announced an Applied AI Innovation Centre in Dubai Commerce City. The centre is expected to support artificial intelligence research, industry applications and innovation partnerships.
IITM Global also announced a US$7.5 million Deep-Tech Hub in Menlo Park, California. Located near one of the world’s leading technology and startup ecosystems, the hub can help connect IIT Madras researchers and entrepreneurs with global investors, companies and innovation networks.
These international centres can create opportunities for joint research, technology commercialisation, student engagement and startup development.
IIT Madras Performs Strongly in Global Rankings
Alongside its international expansion, IIT Madras has continued to strengthen its position in global higher education rankings.
In the QS Subject Rankings 2026, the Institute was placed among the world’s top 50 institutions in four disciplines and among the top 100 in ten subject areas.
Strong subject rankings reflect the quality of an institution’s teaching, research output, academic reputation and industry engagement. They can also influence international collaborations, student mobility and faculty recruitment.
For IIT Madras, such rankings provide additional credibility as it builds campuses, partnerships and innovation hubs outside India.
The achievement also reflects the contribution of the Institute’s faculty members, researchers, students, staff and alumni.
Students Recognised for Academic Excellence
IIT Madras also celebrated student achievements through Department Degree Distribution Programmes conducted after the main convocation.
Several students received prestigious awards for exceptional academic performance and overall contribution.
Ashwin Subramanian Murugan received the President of India Prize and the Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya Memorial Prize for securing the highest CGPA among B.Tech. and Dual Degree students.
Anirudh Rao received the Institute Merit Prize, while Mith R Jain was honoured with the Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Prize. B. Haricharan received the Governor’s Prize.
These awards recognise the hard work, academic discipline and achievements of IIT Madras students. They also reinforce the Institute’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards while expanding internationally.
Building a Future-Focused Global University
IIT Madras’ latest developments represent a significant transformation in its institutional journey. The Institute is combining academic excellence with research investment, entrepreneurship, global partnerships and international education.
The growth of IIT Madras Zanzibar can increase access to high-quality technical education in East Africa. The Startup Studio can encourage regional innovation, while the centres in Dubai and Menlo Park can connect IIT Madras with major global technology ecosystems.
At the same time, strong global rankings, successful placements and student achievements show that the Institute continues to maintain its academic standards.
With research, international expansion and entrepreneurship moving forward together, IIT Madras is building a future-focused academic model. Its growing global network could create new opportunities for students, researchers, industries and startups across multiple continents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the IIT Madras international campus located?
The first international campus of IIT Madras is located in Zanzibar, Tanzania. IIT Madras Zanzibar offers technology-focused academic programmes and attracts students from several African countries and India.
2. How many students are studying at IIT Madras Zanzibar?
IIT Madras Zanzibar currently hosts around 130 students. About 51% of the students are from Tanzania, while others come from countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and India.
3. What is the enrollment target for IIT Madras Zanzibar?
IIT Madras plans to increase enrollment at the Zanzibar campus to between 350 and 500 students by 2027. The expansion will include faculty recruitment, improved research infrastructure and stronger industry engagement.
4. What is the IITM Global Foundation?
The IITM Global Foundation is an initiative supporting IIT Madras’ international expansion. It aims to build global academic, research, innovation and industry networks as the Institute works toward becoming a multinational university.
5. What international innovation centres has IIT Madras announced?
IITM Global has announced an Applied AI Innovation Centre in Dubai Commerce City and a US$7.5 million Deep-Tech Hub in Menlo Park, California. These centres are expected to support research, startups and global industry collaboration.