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IIT-Madras launches centre in California to accelerate Indian deep-tech startups
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced its first U.S. centre in Menlo Park, California, launched on April 24, with a total planned investment of USD 7.5 million. The centre aims to help Indian deep-tech ventures access global markets, capital, and mentorship, and plans a second centre on the U.S. East Coast.
Why It Matters
The move expands India's deep-tech footprint into U.S. ecosystems, strengthening industry–academia collaboration and cross-border opportunities for early-stage innovations.
Timeline
2 Events
Announcement of IIT‑Madras Menlo Park centre at SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 5, 2026
At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbour, Maryland, IITM Global announced the Menlo Park centre. Thirumalai Madhavnarayan described it as a strategic anchor for IITM Global's US operations. The IITM Global delegation, including founders of IIT Madras‑incubated deep-tech startups Atri AI, Zerowatt, Satori XR, Greenvironment, and ePlaneCompany, met Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on the sidelines of the summit. The announcement also mentioned plans to establish a second IITM Global centre on the US East Coast to deepen engagement with policy, financial, and academic ecosystems.
IIT-Madras Global launches Menlo Park centre, California
April 24, 2026
The Menlo Park centre was launched as part of IITM Global's strategy to expand deep-tech research and commercialization in the United States. The project involves a total planned investment of USD 7.5 million, including USD 4.5 million in greenfield investment from IITM Global. The centre, located near Silicon Valley, will serve as a launchpad for Indian deep-tech startups to access global capital, markets, mentorship, and partnerships, and to attract global innovation into India.