The University of Manchester has announced plans to establish a major new centre in Bengaluru, India. The centre will provide a permanent platform to deepen the university's engagement with one of the world's most dynamic education, research and innovation ecosystems.
The proposed centre will bring together academic expertise, industry knowledge and entrepreneurial talent to address shared challenges and create opportunities for students and researchers. It will build on the University of Manchester's successful Partner-Enabled Learning (PEL) model used in the UK.
What the Centre Will Offer
The PEL model aims to close skills gaps by embedding real-world projects with employers, public bodies and community organisations into degree programmes. Students will graduate with practical experience as well as academic knowledge.
The centre in Bengaluru will create opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, work placements and industry-led projects. It will develop skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, collaboration and employer engagement through credit-bearing projects and micro-internships.
Industry Partnerships
The University of Manchester has established relationships with leading businesses and industry partners across India, including Reliance, Tata and Infosys, alongside a wider network of technology companies. The centre will build on these connections to strengthen industry engagement and create new opportunities for students and researchers.
Why Bengaluru
Bengaluru has been identified as the preferred location due to its position as one of India's leading hubs for higher education, technology and innovation. The city is home to some of India's foremost universities and research institutes, alongside a thriving community of global businesses and technology companies. Many already collaborate with Manchester's academics and graduates.
Part of Global Expansion
The announcement marks a significant step in the University's ambition to strengthen its global presence, as set out in its strategy From Manchester for the World. It builds on decades of collaboration with partners across India. The University of Manchester already has international centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.
The centre was announced at a special event at the Science Gallery Bengaluru. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, attended. Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, led panel discussions on innovation and culture.
Professor Ivison said: "There is an incredible depth to Manchester's relationship with India across education, business and culture. Our new Centre will be at the heart of deepening those relationships and I'm very excited to see what we can give, and what we can learn over the coming years."
Existing India Collaborations
The University of Manchester was the first in the UK to establish a joint PhD programme with an Indian institution, launching its dual award PhD with IIT Kharagpur in 2021. It has also established collaborations with the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, BITS Pilani in engineering and computer science, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
The announcement comes as the University of Manchester joins the first-ever Great North Mayoral Mission to India, taking place from 12 to 16 October 2026. The mission brings together universities, businesses, civic leaders and cultural organisations from across the North of England to forge new connections and share expertise with India.