IIT Madras Global Research Foundation opens its first US centre in Menlo Park, California, to help Indian deep‑tech startups scale globally and attract global innovation into India.
IIT Madras expands into the United States
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global) has announced the establishment of its first centre in the United States, significantly expanding India’s deep‑tech innovation footprint into global ecosystems. The Menlo Park, California centre was launched on 24 April and formally announced at the SelectUSA Investment Summit held at National Harbour, Maryland.
The new hub places IITM Global at the heart of Silicon Valley’s technology and venture capital network, enabling closer collaboration with global investors, multinational corporations, and research institutions. The initiative reinforces India’s ambition to be a key player in the global deep‑tech value chain.
Strategic partnership and investment plan
The Menlo Park centre will operate through a strategic partnership with CA Startups, a California‑based organisation that supports technology venture creation and scale‑up. Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, CEO of IITM Global, described the centre as a “strategic anchor” for the foundation’s US operations.
He said the centre will be developed with a total planned investment of USD 7.5 million, including a greenfield investment of USD 4.5 million from IITM Global. “With a focused investment approach, we aim to build a platform that accelerates deep‑tech ventures from lab to global markets, while also attracting global innovation into India,” he told PTI.
A launchpad for Indian deep‑tech startups
The Menlo Park centre is envisioned as a launchpad for Indian deep‑tech startups to access global capital, markets, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Strategically located near Silicon Valley, the IITM Centre will help Indian founders validate products in the US, negotiate with multinational clients, and navigate regulatory and commercial landscapes more effectively.
The centre will focus on advancing deep‑tech research and commercialisation, while also serving as a hub for startup incubation and global market access. It aims to strengthen industry–academia partnerships and enable venture engagement to support the scale‑up of high‑potential innovations emerging from IIT Madras and its incubation ecosystem.
Plans for a second US centre on the East Coast
IITM Global has also announced plans to establish a second centre on the US East Coast, further strengthening its presence across key innovation corridors. The East Coast hub will connect with leading policy, financial, and academic ecosystems, including Washington, DC, New York, and Boston, which host major government agencies, capital markets, and top research universities.
By operating in both Silicon Valley and the East Coast, IITM Global can create a comprehensive US footprint that supports startups at every stage – from early‑stage research and funding to policy‑aligned deployment and large‑scale commercialisation.
Engagement with India’s diplomatic and innovation ecosystem
The IIT Madras Global delegation, comprising founders of IIT‑incubated deep‑tech startups, met Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra on the sidelines of the SelectUSA Summit. The delegation included founders from Atri AI, Zerowatt, Satori XR, Greenvironment, and ePlane Company, all of whom are developing cutting‑edge solutions in AI, energy, immersive technologies, environmental tech, and aerospace.
In a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra said he had an “insightful conversation” with Thirumalai Madhavnarayan and the five startup founders. “Truly inspired by the impressive work these young tech leaders showcased,” he added. “We spoke about exciting new opportunities in India and the US tech ecosystem. The future of India‑US innovation collaboration is bright.”
Building a global platform for Indian innovation
Through the Menlo Park centre and its planned East Coast expansion, IIT Madras Global is building a sustainable, two‑directional platform that helps Indian deep‑tech startups scale globally while drawing international innovation, talent, and capital back into India. The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and positions IIT Madras as a bridge between Indian academic excellence and global venture ecosystems.
By combining research strength, incubation infrastructure, and on‑ground presence in the US, the new IITM Global centres aim to accelerate the next generation of Indian deep‑tech ventures into global leadership roles, deepening India’s integration into the world’s most advanced technology and innovation corridors.
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