Houston, Texas, November 18, 2024 — Rice University, a global leader in research and innovation, is enhancing its international presence by launching Rice Global India. This strategic initiative highlights the university’s commitment to promoting global collaboration and supporting India’s rapidly growing education and technology sectors.
Rice University, established in 1912, is located in Houston, Texas, recognized as the most diverse metropolis in the United States. The university occupies a 300-acre forested campus and is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice University is distinguished by its highly regarded schools, including architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences.
The university held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new hub in Bengaluru, India’s third-largest city and the heart of its high-tech industry. This event marks a significant step towards establishing formal operations in the region and enhances the university’s expanding network throughout India, including partnerships with leading research and academic institutions.
“India is a country full of immense opportunities, where we believe we can make a significant impact through collaboration in research, innovation, and education,” said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. “Our presence in India is a crucial step in broadening our global reach, and we are eager to engage more with India’s academic leaders and industries to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This expansion demonstrates our commitment to creating a more interconnected world where education and research go beyond borders.”
As part of its strategic expansion, Rice University is enhancing collaborations with esteemed institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. According to university leaders, these partnerships promote advanced research initiatives, facilitate exchanges between students and faculty, and collaborate on critical areas of mutual interest, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy.
Why India?
India’s increasing influence in energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology aligns with Rice’s research priorities outlined in the university’s recently unveiled strategic plan, “Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact.” This strategic expansion emphasizes Rice’s intention to contribute to India’s innovation ecosystem by engaging in joint research initiatives, collaborating with faculty, and facilitating student exchanges with leading institutions.
Source: Rice University
Surender Hastir 