IIT Bombay Receives $11 Million Pledge from Alumni Couple to Advance Women in STEM

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

IIT Bombay alumni couple, Jitendra Mohan (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1994, Hostel 9) and Swapna Samant (B.Tech., Civil Engineering, 1995, Hostel 10) have pledged $11 million to their alma mater.

The donation will spearhead several critical initiatives that align with IIT Bombay’s vision for growth and excellence. As per a release issued by the institute, 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 Bombay’s leadership in semiconductor technology. 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.

"A gift of this magnitude and impact highlights the exceptional bond between IIT Bombay and its alumni and reaffirms the transformative impact of philanthropy on education, innovation and nation-building," the statement reads.

A key focus of their contribution is the Vidya Sharma Chair Professorship in Electrical Engineering, which is dedicated to supporting women faculty members in STEM. This initiative reflects the donors’ steadfast commitment to gender inclusivity in academia and their aspiration to foster an environment where women scientists and researchers can thrive.

Finally, their generosity will also enable the redevelopment of Hostel 9. This initiative is deeply personal to Mohan, who was a proud resident of Hostel 9 during his time at IIT Bombay, and where he forged lifelong friendships. Revitalizing the Institute’s infrastructure will offer future generations of students the same sense of belonging and camaraderie while modernizing the facilities to meet contemporary needs will preserve its legacy of being a cherished ‘home away from home’.

Reflecting on their journey and motivations for this remarkable gesture, Mohan and Samant shared, “IIT Bombay shaped us during some of the most important years of our life, providing us with a strong foundation for long-term professional success. At IITB, we made amazing lifelong friends—many of whom are an integral part of our lives to this day. We are grateful for all that we got from IITB and are honoured to give back and contribute towards academic opportunities and student well-being”.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, expressed his heartfelt appreciation, stating, “This unparalleled act of generosity by Mr. Jitendra Mohan and Ms. Swapna Samant exemplifies the profound impact of alumni engagement on the Institute’s journey of excellence. Their contribution strengthens IIT Bombay’s standing as a hub of innovation and inclusivity, reflecting the transformative power of giving back. We are profoundly grateful for their trust in IIT Bombay’s vision and for their inspiring commitment to advancing societal progress and nation-building”.

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