IIT Kanpur Alumni from Class of 2000 Announce INR 100 Cr Pledge for New Academic Unit
In a remarkable display of commitment to education and innovation, the alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur from the Class of 2000 have pledged a significant sum of INR 100 crore to establish a new academic unit. This announcement was made during their silver jubilee reunion, which took place in Kanpur.
Introduction to the Millennium School of Technology and Society (MSTAS)
The pledged funds will be directed towards the establishment of the Millennium School of Technology and Society (MSTAS) at IIT Kanpur. This new academic unit aims to explore the intersection of technology, public policy, ethics, and societal impact. It is designed to complement IIT Kanpur’s existing strengths in engineering and science, thereby enhancing the educational landscape of the institute.
Significance of the Pledge
This contribution is one of the largest pledges made by a single graduating batch to an Indian academic institution. The Class of 2000, often referred to as the Millennium Batch, is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in global technology. The alumni have made significant contributions to various industries, particularly in technology and innovation.
Notable Alumni Contributions
Among the alumni, Naveen Tewari, the founder and CEO of InMobi and Glance, has made a personal commitment of INR 30 crore towards this initiative. This individual pledge underscores the dedication of the alumni to foster educational advancements and societal development.
Alumni Achievements
The Class of 2000 has produced a number of successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the technology sector. Some of the notable companies founded or co-founded by alumni from this batch include:
- InMobi
- Glance
- NoBroker
- Yulu
- Knowlarity
- Card91
- Cohesity
- Martini
Additionally, several members of this cohort have served in senior roles at prestigious global organizations, including:
- Nvidia
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Intel
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Morgan Stanley
- Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC)
Impact on Future Generations
The establishment of MSTAS is expected to promote interdisciplinary education and leadership development. It aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the societal implications of technology-driven change. This initiative is part of a long-term effort to build a robust educational framework that will benefit future generations of students at IIT Kanpur.
Historical Context
The Class of 2000 has a distinguished history, having produced three unicorns—InMobi, Glance, and NoBroker—making it the batch with the highest number of unicorns from IIT Kanpur to date. This achievement reflects the entrepreneurial zeal and innovative mindset that the alumni embody.
Conclusion
The pledge by the IIT Kanpur Class of 2000 marks a significant milestone in the institute’s history. It not only highlights the alumni’s commitment to their alma mater but also sets a precedent for future batches to contribute towards educational advancements. The Millennium School of Technology and Society is poised to become a beacon of interdisciplinary learning and societal impact, further solidifying IIT Kanpur’s reputation as a leading institution in India and beyond.
Note: This article is based on information available as of January 2, 2026, and aims to provide insights into the recent developments at IIT Kanpur.
