IIT Bombay’s 2030 roadmap focuses on AI, MedTech, quantum research, expansion of industry, global ties

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has outlined its five-year Strategy Plan 2026-30 and beyond to strengthen its position as a leading global technology institute by 2030 with a focus on frontier research areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), climate technologies, MedTech, quantum technologies and other priority domains.

The institute aims to implement its plan through three strategic themes – a transformative shift towards learner-centric education, frontier research, and expansion of industry collaboration and research translation.

IIT Bombay’s three themes aim to strengthen its long-term leadership in education, research, innovation, and societal impact with a strong emphasis on excellence.

Learning-centric education – IIT-B has proposed a shift towards student-driven and experimental learning through joint degree programmes in collaboration with global partners and expansion of digital education to reach learners worldwide through online degree and certificate programmes.

Frontier research leadership – The institute will focus on priority domains such as AI, ML, climate tech, healthcare, MedTech, quantum technologies, semiconductor, advanced materials, space and defence, but not limited to this. This will be supported by interdisciplinary centres and strategic faculty recruitment.

Industry and society relevant research and translation – The third theme focuses on research translation by increasing industry collaborations, strengthening the start-up ecosystem, and accelerating the translation of research into market-ready and societal solutions.

The five-year plan will be supported by six key enablers – strengthening faculty proposition; developing best-in-class infrastructure and a net-zero campus; modernizing management and processes; enhancing financial sustainability; deepening alumni and corporate engagement; and prioritizing the wellness of students, staff, and faculty.

The Strategy Plan 2030 developed through extensive inputs from faculty, students, alumni, industry partners, and staff, was approved by the IIT Bombay Board of Governors (BoG) and was officially published on December 8 by K Radhakrishnan, chairperson of the IIT Bombay BoG.