The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has launched the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program, a major new initiative designed to strengthen the institute’s research ecosystem by supporting high-potential young faculty members. The programme has been instituted by IIT Delhi alumnus Dr Deepak Raghavan and is facilitated by the IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation, reflecting a strong collaboration between alumni philanthropy and institutional vision.
The Accelerator Program aims to enable early- and mid-career faculty to build independent, high-impact research programmes while continuing to contribute to teaching excellence and academic leadership at IIT Delhi. Through long-term and flexible support, the initiative seeks to enhance the depth, continuity, and real-world relevance of research conducted at the institute.
Key Feature: Five-Year Endowed Chair Professorship
One of the most significant components of the initiative is a five-year endowed chair professorship for faculty members aged 45 years and below. The endowed chair will be supported by:
- A dedicated research fund
- Access to research staff and postdoctoral support
- Resources aimed at enabling sustained research growth
This structure allows faculty members to pursue ambitious research agendas without short-term funding pressures, helping them scale their work and establish global leadership in their respective fields.
Flexible Research Grant Support
The Accelerator Program offers a flexible research grant, which can be utilised for a wide range of academic and innovation-driven activities, including:
- Procurement of research equipment and software
- Conducting experiments and fieldwork
- Prototype development and technology validation
- Hiring of postdoctoral fellows and research staff
The programme also encourages collaboration with industry and external institutions, with a strong emphasis on translating academic research into practical applications, patents, and new technologies that address real-world challenges.
Fully Funded PhD Fellowship
In addition to faculty-focused support, the initiative includes a fully funded PhD fellowship once every five years. Under this provision:
- A doctoral scholar will work closely with the Chair Professor
- Funding will support participation in national and international academic conferences
- Scholars will gain global exposure and opportunities for academic networking
This component strengthens the research pipeline and fosters mentorship-driven research excellence.
Leadership Perspectives
Commenting on the launch, IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee highlighted the institute’s strong academic foundation, stating that IIT Delhi houses some of the country’s finest research talent. He noted that initiatives such as the Accelerator Program play a crucial role in enhancing research impact and ensuring that India remains globally competitive in science, technology, and innovation.
Vision Behind the Initiative
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, which focuses on mobilising long-term philanthropic capital to strengthen excellence in education, research, and innovation at IIT Delhi.
Together, they aim to create a sustainable framework that empowers faculty, nurtures innovation, and reinforces IIT Delhi’s leadership in addressing complex societal and technological challenges.
Quick Reference Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| Programme Name | Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program |
| Launched By | IIT Delhi |
| Facilitated By | IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation |
| Target Group | Early- and mid-career faculty (≤45 years) |
| Key Support | Five-year endowed chair, research grants, PhD fellowship |
| Focus Areas | Research excellence, innovation, industry collaboration |
Why This Programme Matters
By providing long-term, flexible, and well-structured support, the Accelerator Program addresses one of the most critical needs in academia—research continuity. It empowers faculty members to take intellectual risks, pursue interdisciplinary work, and translate research into societal and economic impact.
The launch of the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program marks a significant step in strengthening IIT Delhi’s research ecosystem. Through endowed chairs, flexible funding, and doctoral support, the initiative reinforces the institute’s commitment to academic leadership, high-impact research, and innovation-driven solutions. Backed by alumni philanthropy and institutional collaboration, the programme sets a strong example of how sustained support can shape the future of research in India
