IIT Madras to Expand Global Presence with 15 Centres in 5 Years

IIT Madras Global Research Foundation Expands International Footprint

IIT Madras Global Research Foundation has outlined plans to expand its international footprint to around 15 centres over the next five years, as it accelerates efforts to take India's deep-tech ecosystem into global markets. The expansion will be phased and outcome-driven rather than scale-led, according to Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, CEO and director of IITM Global.

The foundation is initially working toward setting up five international centres across the United States, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Malaysia, United Kingdom, and Germany. By the end of the year, IITM Global expects startups within its ecosystem to gain access to multiple international markets through this expanding network, positioning the platform as a bridge between Indian deep-tech innovation and global venture ecosystems.

Key Expansion Milestones

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Unlike a uniform expansion approach, IITM Global is adopting market-specific strategies, partnering with state agencies, universities, and diaspora networks depending on the region. "To succeed globally, there cannot be a fixed formula. We need to understand each market and adapt," said Madhavnarayan.

A major element of the international push is the new US centre in Menlo Park, California, established in partnership with CA Startups. The facility, developed with a planned investment of $7.5 million, including a $4.5 million greenfield contribution from IITM Global, is positioned as a launchpad for Indian deep-tech startups in Silicon Valley.

The centre will focus on startup incubation, translational research, and industry collaboration, while also enabling access to global capital and markets. According to the foundation, five IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech startups showcased at the summit-spanning AI, clean tech, and extended reality-have already begun engaging with US customers and investors.

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Early Traction in US Ecosystem

The foundation's international strategy is built around deep-tech startups, research, and consultancy, intellectual property, and advanced skilling programmes. "The ecosystem now generates more than one patent a day, which we aim to scale into global commercialisation opportunities through overseas centres," said Madhavnarayan.

A planned East Coast US hub is expected to complement the Menlo Park centre, connecting the initiative to policy, financial, and academic networks.