New Delhi, Delhi, 23rd of July, 2026 : The University of Leeds and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering academic collaboration, and accelerating innovation. Bringing together the strengths of two globally recognised institutions, the partnership aims to address pressing societal, technological, and economic challenges through research, education, and international engagement.
As part of the collaboration, the two institutions will establish a jointly funded seed fund supported by matched contributions of up to USD 50,000 from each institution. The fund will enable researchers to pursue pilot projects, test innovative ideas, and develop proposals for larger-scale national and international funding opportunities. The University of Leeds has already allocated and utilised its contribution to support the initial phase of collaborative activities under the partnership, while IIT Kharagpur has pledged its contribution for the current year.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across research, education, and innovation. Both institutions will explore opportunities to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-led teaching initiatives, providing students and researchers with access to diverse academic perspectives and international learning experiences.
The partnership will also support interdisciplinary research across a range of fields, encouraging collaboration on complex global challenges through joint projects and knowledge exchange. In addition, the institutions will promote faculty visits, student exchange opportunities, and research mobility programmes to strengthen academic engagement and foster deeper collaboration between researchers and educators.
Through the exchange of scholarly resources, scientific expertise, and institutional knowledge, the collaboration will create new opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation. The two institutions will also work together to convene academics, industry leaders, and policymakers through conferences, workshops, and international forums, strengthening global networks and encouraging cross-sector engagement.
Building on their shared commitment to translating research into real-world impact, the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur will explore opportunities to strengthen research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The partnership may also support the development of innovation-focused initiatives in India that facilitate the application of research to societal and industrial challenges.
Talking about the partnership, Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, Director of Internationalisation, University of Leeds, said, “This partnership marks an exciting step forward for both institutions and highlights the value of international collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By combining our strengths, we can drive world-class research, support talented students, and deliver real impact in tackling global challenges. We look forward to building a dynamic and enduring relationship with IIT Kharagpur that advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for our academic communities in both the UK and India.”
Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Prof. Anandaroop Bhattachrya, Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur[KN1] , said, “IIT Kharagpur has always believed that global partnerships are essential for advancing research excellence and creating transformative educational opportunities. This collaboration with the University of Leeds brings together complementary strengths and shared ambitions, enabling us to pursue impactful research, nurture talent, and strengthen innovation ecosystems. Through this partnership, we hope to generate new knowledge and foster solutions that contribute to societal and economic progress.”
At a time of growing collaboration between India and the United Kingdom across research, innovation, education, and trade, this partnership reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to strengthen academic ties and support the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries.
The partnership establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty while strengthening academic and research ties between India and the United Kingdom. Through joint initiatives, academic mobility programmes, and collaborative research activities, both institutions aim to drive innovation, expand knowledge, and contribute to addressing global challenges.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS:
The University of Leeds is a world top 100 university (QS World University Rankings 2026) and one of the UK’s largest institutions, with over 39,000 students from 135 countries. Renowned globally for the quality of our teaching and research, we are the 6th most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers 2025) and offer outstanding career prospects.
Our campus is a short walk from Leeds city centre—the UK’s largest economy outside London and a hub for major employers and scale-ups in fintech, data and AI, digital, HealthTech, creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and more. With lower living costs than London, strong industry links, and excellent connectivity, Leeds combines affordability with opportunity.
As a Russell Group university with a proven track record in spin-outs and start-ups, we provide access to world-class research, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurial initiatives—connecting students directly to Leeds’ thriving economy and providing a launchpad for ambitious global careers. www.leeds.ac.uk.
ABOUT IIT KHARAGPUR:
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is one of India’s leading institutions for higher education, research, and innovation, recognized globally for nurturing industry-ready professionals and advancing impactful technological solutions. Established in 1951 and designated an Institute of National Importance, IIT Kharagpur has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s technical education ecosystem. The Institute was granted the status of “Institute of Eminence” by the Government of India in 2019 and consistently ranks among the country’s foremost institutions for academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and innovation-driven development.
With a diverse academic ecosystem comprising multiple departments, schools, centres of excellence, and specialized academies, IIT Kharagpur offers programmes across engineering, science, architecture, management, law, humanities, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. The Institute supports a vibrant residential campus community and is actively engaged in numerous national and international research initiatives. Through its commitment to excellence in education, research, and societal impact, IIT Kharagpur continues to contribute to affordable technology innovations and solutions addressing national priorities and global challenges. For more information, visit www.iitkgp.ac.in.
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