IIT Delhi Unveils Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program to Empower Young Faculty
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has officially launched the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to fortify the institute's research ecosystem by providing substantial support to high-potential young faculty members. This program, announced on January 23, 2026, represents a significant step in nurturing academic talent and fostering innovation within one of India's premier educational institutions.
Program Structure and Key Features
Instituted by IIT Delhi alumnus Dr. Deepak Raghavan and facilitated by the IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation, the Accelerator Program aims to enable early- and mid-career faculty to develop robust, independent research programs while actively contributing to teaching and academic leadership. The initiative is structured around several core components:
- Five-Year Endowed Chair Professorship: Available for faculty members aged 45 years and below, this chair includes a dedicated research fund, access to research staff, and essential resources to advance research activities over a sustained period.
- Flexible Research Grants: These grants can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including equipment procurement, software acquisition, experiments, fieldwork, prototype development, and hiring postdoctoral researchers and research staff.
- Industry and External Collaboration: The program emphasizes partnerships with industry and external institutions, focusing on translating research outcomes into practical applications, patents, and new technologies.
- Fully Funded PhD Fellowship: Offered once every five years, this fellowship allows a doctoral scholar to work closely with the Chair Professor and supports participation in academic conferences in India and abroad, providing valuable global exposure.
Vision and Impact
Commenting on the initiative, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, highlighted that the institute boasts some of the country's strongest academic and research talent. He noted that programs like the Accelerator Program are crucial in helping faculty members enhance the impact of their work, thereby contributing to maintaining India's competitiveness in research and innovation. Through this initiative, IIT Delhi reinforces its commitment to academic leadership, high-impact research, and addressing real-world challenges through sustained institutional and philanthropic support.
The Accelerator Program reflects the shared vision of Dr. Deepak Raghavan, founder of the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation and co-founder of Manhattan Associates, and the IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation. This collaboration aims to mobilize long-term philanthropic capital to strengthen the institute's excellence in education, research, and innovation, positioning IIT Delhi as a global leader in technological advancement and academic excellence.
