Imperial College London to open global hub in Bengaluru

It will also function as a bridge for collaboration across government, industry, and innovation ecosystems. The initiative builds on longstanding relationships between Imperial and Indian institutions and seeks to foster solutions to shared global challenges.

Imperial’s growing presence in India is reflected in its strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, supporting joint projects across multiple scientific disciplines. The college’s research collaborations already span institutions such as AIIMS, IITs in Bombay, Delhi, and Kharagpur, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Its scientists are working with Indian partners on challenges including antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and clean energy technologies.

The move also aligns with the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, and is expected to support economic growth, sustainable development, and improved quality of life on both sides.

The new hub will be spearheaded by Professor Sanjeev Gupta and Dr Elena Dieckmann. Professor Gupta, an Earth Scientist, has worked extensively with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur on studies involving river systems and groundwater depletion.

Dr Dieckmann, whose expertise lies in biomaterials and the circular economy, is collaborating with Indian researchers to upcycle waste solar panels into architectural materials. Both faculty members will spend time in India to foster deeper engagement and partnership.

Notably, the opening of Imperial Global India aligns with the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions allowing top-ranked global universities to establish campuses and centres within India.