The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation has announced the launch of its first international centre in the United States, marking a major step in expanding India’s deep-tech innovation presence into global markets.
The centre, located in Menlo Park, California, was officially launched on April 24 and was highlighted at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland. Positioned close to Silicon Valley, it is designed to serve as a gateway for Indian deep-tech startups to access global capital, mentorship, and international partnerships.
According to IIT Madras Global CEO Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, the Menlo Park facility will act as a strategic base for US operations in collaboration with CA Startups. The goal is to accelerate deep-tech ventures from research labs to global commercial markets while also attracting international innovation into India.
Investment and expansion plans
The centre will be developed with a planned investment of $7.5 million, including a $4.5 million greenfield investment from IITM Global.
It will focus on deep-tech research, startup incubation, and commercialization, while also enabling stronger industry-academia collaboration and venture support for scaling innovations.
Gateway to global markets
The Menlo Park hub is expected to act as a launchpad for IIT Madras-incubated startups, helping them connect with global investors, technology partners, and markets. The initiative is aimed at bridging Indian innovation with the global tech ecosystem.
IITM Global also announced plans to establish a second centre on the US East Coast, which will complement the West Coast presence by linking with policy, financial, and academic institutions.
Engagement with US ecosystem
On the sidelines of the summit, a delegation of IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech startups met Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
The delegation included founders from startups such as Atri AI, Zerowatt, Satori XR, Greenvironment, and ePlane Company.
The ambassador highlighted the potential of India–US collaboration in technology and innovation, noting strong momentum in the deep-tech ecosystem and growing opportunities for cross-border partnerships.
