IIT Delhi Launches Accelerator Program to Empower Young Faculty
IIT Delhi has launched the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program to empower young faculty members and enhance research initiatives. This program aims to provide a prestigious five-year endowed chair professorship for faculty under 45, along with research grants for various academic activities. It encourages partnerships with industries to apply research in real-world scenarios and develop new technologies. The initiative is managed by the Akshay Management Foundation, founded by alumnus Dr. Deepak Raghavan, highlighting IIT Delhi's commitment to fostering top-tier academic talent.
Feb 10, 2026, 15:51 IST
Introduction to the Accelerator Program
IIT Delhi has initiated a new program aimed at promoting research and empowering young faculty members. Named the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program, this initiative will enable faculty to establish a robust and independent research agenda. Additionally, faculty members will have the opportunity to contribute to both teaching and academic leadership within the institution.
Program Objectives
The primary goal of this program is to offer a five-year endowed chair professorship to faculty members aged 45 or younger. This is regarded as the highest academic honor that can be awarded to a faculty member. Under this program, research grants will be provided, which can be utilized for purchasing software and equipment, conducting fieldwork, experiments, developing prototypes, and hiring postdoctoral researchers and research staff.
Encouraging Partnerships
This initiative also promotes partnerships with industries and external organizations. Such collaborations are expected to facilitate the application of research in real-world scenarios and pave the way for the development of new technologies and patents. It is noteworthy that the program is being managed by the Akshay Management Foundation, established by IIT Delhi alumnus Dr. Deepak Raghavan. During the launch, IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee emphasized that the institution is home to some of the country's finest researchers and academic talents.