Tata Trusts Commits Major Grant for IIM Bangalore’s New Undergraduate Campus
Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) has announced a significant grant from the Tata Trusts to support the development of its new undergraduate campus and academic initiatives.
According to the institute, the philanthropic commitment will contribute to the long-term development of the School of Undergraduate Studies, including campus infrastructure, academic programmes, research initiatives, and institutional growth plans.
The new undergraduate campus is being established around 27 kilometres from IIM Bangalore’s main campus as part of the institute’s efforts to expand its contribution to undergraduate education in India.
Undergraduate Programmes to Begin in August
The School of Undergraduate Studies will commence academic operations in August 2026 with two four-year residential degree programmes:
- BSc (Honours) in Economics with a minor in Data Science
- BSc (Honours) in Data Science with a minor in Economics
The programmes have been designed to combine economics, data science, and business studies within an interdisciplinary framework aimed at addressing emerging industry and societal needs.
The inaugural batch will consist of 80 students, with 40 students enrolled in each programme.
Focus on Research and Academic Infrastructure
IIM Bangalore stated that the grant will support the development of academic and residential infrastructure at the new campus.
The funding will also facilitate the creation of research clusters in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data Science
- Algorithmic Design
- Indian Knowledge Systems
- Applied Business Learning
The institute said the initiative will also help strengthen faculty recruitment and interdisciplinary academic collaboration.
Statements from Tata Trusts and IIM Bangalore
Speaking on the development, Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, said the Trusts have historically supported institutions focused on education, research, and public service, and that the support for IIM Bangalore reflects a similar commitment towards institution-building.
Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, IIM Bangalore, said philanthropic support plays an important role in helping higher educational institutions pursue long-term academic goals and strengthen their global standing.
Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, stated that the initiative aligns with the Trusts’ focus on supporting knowledge-based institutions and investing in future generations.
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-Charge of IIM Bangalore, said the undergraduate programmes have been designed to equip students with technical knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to address complex challenges through evidence-based approaches.
Expansion of Undergraduate Education
The launch of the new undergraduate campus marks a significant expansion of IIM Bangalore’s academic offerings beyond its established postgraduate and executive education programmes.
The institute stated that the new school aims to build capabilities in emerging disciplines while creating opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, and innovation in higher education.
