India

India has one of the world’s largest economies, having grown almost 40% since 2010. This growth presents an excellent opportunity for the U of I System to nurture our existing partnerships and develop new ones, all with an eye toward continued excellence and creating opportunities for students. India has a vibrant startup and entrepreneurial culture, but it is in need of external markets and is very interested in how it can engage with the U.S. DPI, for example, is a great program for Indian startups to pursue business in the U.S., planting their own roots and creating opportunities in Chicago.

In the fall of 2020, over 2,840 students from India were enrolled in U of I System universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield, more than any foreign nation other than China.

The system has deep ties to India in other areas as well. In 2018, the system signed agreements for new academic and research partnerships with seven of India’s top universities and research agencies. They include the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru; the Birla Institute of Technology & Science in Pilani; the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; Gokula Education Foundation, a charitable trust that operates the MS Ramaiah Medical College and the MSR University of Applied Sciences; Kerala Startup Mission, a government agency that promotes business incubator and entrepreneurship programs; the Information and Communication Technology Academy of Kerala; and the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management in Kerala. MS Ramaiah Medical College also has a partnership with DPI.

The U of I System has established a liaison office in New Delhi, India. The system also plans to establish a branch office in Bengaluru (Bangalore) to further develop relationships with academic and corporate partners and alumni in the country while informing students about higher education opportunities.

In addition, the system has forged a partnership between UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering and IIT Bombay to establish a joint undergraduate program focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The system also is working with the Gokula Education Foundation, Bangalore to establish a new, world class university, the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM) in Bangalore. UIC will lead implementation of this partnership by providing curriculum, student evaluation standards, and training to latest teaching methodologies to RISM faculty.