IIT Madras has taken a major step towards shaping India’s future in deep technology and entrepreneurship by launching the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Designed to create a world-class ecosystem for deep-tech startups, this new initiative aims to institutionalise the institute’s growing entrepreneurial culture and place IIT Madras firmly among the leading entrepreneurial universities across the globe.
The School, operating under the umbrella of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, is headed by Prof. Anbarasu Manivannan. It will offer an impressive range of academic programmes — from a Minor in Entrepreneurship and MS in Entrepreneurship to a PhD in Entrepreneurship and even industry-specific degrees like the Innovation Doctorate.
A Vision Backed by Strong Foundations
The School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship was officially inaugurated on August 4, 2025, by IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti. The launch ceremony brought together faculty, students, startup founders, alumni, and industry leaders.
At the helm is Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal, a Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardee and faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Known for his work in fostering student-led innovation, Prof. Rajagopal has been instrumental in building initiatives like the Centre for Innovation (CFI) and the pre-incubator Nirmaan.
India’s Largest Deep-Tech Startup Hub
IIT Madras already holds the distinction of being home to India’s largest deep-tech startup ecosystem. Over the years, it has incubated more than 475 startups, collectively valued at over ₹50,000 crore (about USD 6 billion). These ventures have generated 11,000+ jobs, filed 700+ patents, and secured ₹12,000 crore in funding.
With the launch of the new School, the institute aims to accelerate this momentum, offering structured academic guidance, financial resources, and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Innovative Programmes and Unique Initiatives
The School’s offerings go far beyond traditional academic programmes. One of its standout initiatives is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) programme, designed to support experienced professionals returning to academia to build their startups.
Additionally, the School plans to establish dedicated funding channels for early-stage and scaling ventures, along with Intellectual Property (IP) clinics to help innovators protect and commercialise their creations.
A Strong Alumni-Driven Support System
Prof. Kamakoti emphasised that IIT Madras is currently producing 1.2 patents per day and has surpassed 100 new startups in a single financial year. He sees the new School as a unique selling point for IIT Madras in the global academic landscape.
Backing this vision, the IITM Alumni Fund has already secured almost complete commitments towards its ₹200 crore investment target to support startups emerging from the campus.
From Classroom Ideas to IPOs
According to Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations, the School will connect all elements of IIT Madras’ entrepreneurial ecosystem — from awareness-building and academic coursework to pre-incubation and full incubation. This integrated approach aims to transform innovative classroom ideas into market-ready companies, and eventually, into publicly listed enterprises.
Part of a Bigger Innovation Ecosystem
The School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship builds upon a series of successful IIT Madras initiatives:
- Centre for Innovation (CFI): One of India’s largest student-run maker spaces.
- Nirmaan Pre-incubator: Has supported groundbreaking startups like GalaxEye Space.
- Entrepreneurship Cell and Tech-Soc: Student-led forums promoting a culture of innovation.
- Gopalakrishnan Deshpande Centre (GDC): Trains researchers in entrepreneurial thinking.
- RuTAG Cell: Focuses on rural and socially impactful technologies.
Prof. Anbarasu Manivannan believes this School is not just a milestone for India but a move with global implications. The interdisciplinary approach, he says, will ensure entrepreneurs receive both academic rigour and real-world business insight.
Looking Ahead
By combining structured education, dedicated funding, IP support, and strong alumni engagement, IIT Madras is positioning its School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a launchpad for the next generation of deep-tech leaders. With a proven track record in innovation and a strong vision for the future, the institute is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the global deep-tech startup landscape.
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