IIT Delhi launches Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation accelerator program to empower young faculty.

New Delhi, January 23, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has launched the Deepak Raghavan family foundation accelerator program, a new initiative designed to strengthen the institute’s research ecosystem and empower high-potential young faculty members.

The program is facilitated by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Endowment Management Foundation and has been instituted by distinguished IIT Delhi alumnus Dr. Deepak Raghavan.

At the heart of the initiative is a five-year Endowed Chair Professorship for faculty members aged 45 years and below. The chair is supported by a dedicated research fund, access to research personnel, and resources that enable the faculty member to build a robust and independent research program, while also contributing to teaching and academic leadership at IIT Delhi.

IIT Delhi alumnus’s initiative will provide flexible research support and industry collaboration:

The accelerator program provides a flexible research grant that can be utilized for the procurement of equipment and software, conducting experiments and fieldwork, prototype development, and hiring postdoctoral fellows and research staff. The initiative also actively encourages collaboration with industry and external institutions, supporting the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications, patents, and emerging technologies.

As part of the program, a fully funded PhD fellowship will be supported once every five years, allowing a doctoral scholar to work closely with the Chair professor.

The fellowship includes support for conference participation in India and abroad, offering young researchers valuable global exposure and academic networking opportunities.

Commenting on the launch of the program, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, said:

“Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has some of the best researchers and academic talent in the country. Initiatives like this program help our faculty take their work to the next level and ensure that India remains competitive in research and innovation in the years to come.”

Strengthening research and innovation:

Through this accelerator program, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi reiterates its commitment to nurturing academic leadership, advancing high-impact research, and addressing real-world challenges through sustained institutional and philanthropic support.

The initiative reflects the shared vision of Dr. Deepak Raghvan, Family Foundation and co-founder of Manhattan Associates, and the IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation, which works to mobilize long-term philanthropic capital to strengthen excellence in education, research, and innovation at IIT Delhi.

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EOM.