Mumbai: In a significant contribution to advance women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) fields, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay’s (IIT-B) alumni couple, Jitendra Mohan (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1994) and Swapna Samant (B.Tech., Civil Engineering, 1995) have pledged $11 million to their alma mater.

The donation will spearhead several critical initiatives that align with IIT-B’s vision for growth and excellence. “In a remarkable gesture of paying it forward in a domain where Mohan has achieved extraordinary success, this donation will play a pivotal role in advancing IIT-B’s leadership in semiconductor technology,” the institute said in a statement. SemiX Research, a cutting-edge initiative, is poised to drive innovation, fuel industrial growth and solidify India’s standing as a global leader in this crucial field,” the statement added.

A key focus of their contribution is the Smt. Vidya Sharma Chair Professorship in Electrical Engineering, which is dedicated to supporting women faculty members in STEM.

“Finally, their generosity will also enable the redevelopment of Hostel 9, where Mohan resided during his time at IIT-B, and where he forged lifelong friendships. Revitalising the Institute’s infrastructure will offer future generations of students the same sense of belonging and camaraderie while modernising the facilities to meet contemporary needs will preserve its legacy of being a cherished ‘home away from home’,” according to the institute.

Reflecting on their journey and motivations for their gesture, Mohan and Samant said, “IIT-B shaped us during some of the most important years of our life, providing us with a strong foundation for long-term professional success. We are grateful for all that we got from IIT-B and are honoured to give back and contribute towards academic opportunities and student well-being”.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-B, expressed his appreciation, stating, “This unparalleled act of generosity by Mohan and Samant exemplifies the profound impact of alumni engagement on the Institute’s journey of excellence. Their contribution strengthens IIT-B’s standing as a hub of innovation and inclusivity, reflecting the transformative power of giving back.”

The pledge to donate $11 billion by the couple follows a donation that the institute received in the final quarter of 2023, where a US-bases alumnus donated $18.6 million for IIT-B’s Research Hub for Green Energy and Sustainability (GESH).