The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has received its largest single donation of ₹228 crore from alumnus Dr. Krishna Chivukula, a US-based industrialist and entrepreneur. This historic gift marks one of the biggest donations ever made to an educational institution in India.
Dr. Chivukula, who graduated with an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Madras in 1970, has been recognized for his professional excellence and contributions to the community with the ‘Distinguished Alumnus Award’ in 2015. He later went on to receive an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1980.
In recognition of this generous donation, IIT Madras has designated an academic building as the ‘Krishna Chivukula Block’ during a dedication ceremony on campus. The funds will be utilized for various initiatives, including:
- Scholarships for international students
- Research Excellence Grant Program
- Undergraduate Fellowship Program for Freshers
- Sports Scholar Program
- Development of Shaastra Magazine
- Maintenance of the Krishna Chivukula Block
Dr. Chivukula’s entrepreneurial journey began after a stint as Group President and CEO at the Hoffman Group of Companies in New York. He founded Shiva Technologies Inc. in 1990, specializing in Advanced Mass Spectroscopy, and later established Indo MIM in Bengaluru to produce small metal and ceramic components with complex geometries in high volumes.
IIT Madras has emerged as a national leader in ‘Tech Driven CSR’ in recent years, translating cutting-edge research into actual products that benefit society and the country at large, with support from alumni, donors, and corporate firms. The institute raised a historic high of ₹513 crore during 2023-24, a 135% increase from the previous financial year.
The number of donors giving over ₹1 crore to IIT Madras has reached 48, including 16 alumni donors and 32 Corporate Partners. The total amount raised through alumni alone during 2023-24 was ₹367 crore, an increase of 282% compared to the previous year.
This transformative donation from Dr. Krishna Chivukula will undoubtedly strengthen IIT Madras’ position as a leading institution for higher education and research in India while inspiring others to contribute to the growth and development of the nation’s future leaders.