IIT Madras Launches Deep-Tech Research Hub in California

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras Global Research Foundation, also called IITM Global, launched its first United States centre in Menlo Park, California. The centre became operational on 24 April 2026 and was announced at the SelectUSA Investment Summit held from 6 May to 9 May 2026.

IIT Madras Global Research Foundation

IITM Global is the overseas research and innovation arm linked to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The new centre has a planned investment of 7.5 million, including a greenfield investment of 4.5 million from IITM Global.

Deep-Tech Research and Commercialisation

The Menlo Park hub is planned as a centre for deep-tech research, commercialisation, and startup incubation. Deep-tech refers to technology based on advanced scientific and engineering research, including areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, clean technology, and immersive systems.

Silicon Valley and Startup Linkages

The centre is located near Silicon Valley, a major global technology cluster in northern California. It is intended to support Indian deep-tech startups in accessing capital, markets, mentorship, and partnerships in the United States.

India–US Innovation Corridor

The initiative is linked to industry-academia collaboration and to the international expansion of Indian research-led startups. IITM Global has also announced plans for a second centre on the United States East Coast.

Important Facts for Exams

• Menlo Park is located in California and lies in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• SelectUSA is a United States federal programme that promotes foreign direct investment in the country.
• Silicon Valley is associated with technology companies, venture capital, and startup ecosystems.
• IIT Madras is one of the Indian Institutes of Technology established under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961.

Indian Startups Linked to the Initiative

Five IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech startups, namely Atri AI, Zerowatt, Satori XR, Greenvironment, and ePlaneCompany, have engaged with Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra. These startups are part of the IIT Madras incubation ecosystem.