Rice University expands to India with launch of Rice Global India

Bengaluru: Rice University, a global leader in research and innovation, has taken a significant step in expanding its global presence by launching Rice Global India in Bengaluru.

This initiative underscores the university’s dedication to fostering international collaboration and contributing to India’s burgeoning education and technology sectors.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of Rice’s new hub in Bengaluru, India’s third-largest city and a major technology hub.

The event symbolised the university’s commitment to formalising regional operations while bolstering its network across India through partnerships with leading research and academic institutions.

“India is a country of tremendous opportunity, one where we see the potential to make a meaningful impact through collaboration in research, innovation and education,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “Our presence in India is a critical step in expanding our global reach, and we are excited to engage more with India’s academic leaders and industries to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This expansion reflects our commitment to fostering a more interconnected world where education and research transcend borders.”

As part of its expansion, Rice is strengthening collaborations with prominent Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. These partnerships aim to foster advanced research, faculty and student exchanges, and joint initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy, according to university leaders.

RICE leadership also met with Hon. Minister Priyank Kharge, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, to explore long-standing partnership opportunities for promoting Global Capability Centers (GCCs), an investment initiative to conduct joint research projects between academia and GCCs.

Why India?
Rice’s recent strategic plan, Momentous: Personalised Scale for Global Impact, aligns closely with India’s advancements in energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. These shared priorities provide a strong foundation for collaboration.

“India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing education and technology markets makes it a crucial partner for Rice’s global vision,” said Caroline Levander, vice president for global affairs at Rice. “The US-India relationship, underscored by initiatives like the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, provides fertile ground for educational, technological, and research exchanges.”

Founded in 1912 and located in Houston, Texas, Rice University is recognised as one of the leading academic institutions in the US. Houston, known as the world’s energy capital, is also home to the Texas Medical Center and a rich legacy of space exploration.

Rice has consistently earned top national rankings, with Forbes naming it the ninth-best college for 2024-25 and Niche placing it eighth. US News & World Report ranked Rice sixth in the category of best-value universities. This expansion marks a new chapter for Rice University as it strengthens its role in India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Rice University, located on a 300-acre campus in Houston, Texas, is consistently ranked among the top 20 US universities. It offers highly respected schools across various disciplines and maintains international hubs, including the Rice Global Paris Center. Rice Global India, based in Bengaluru, focuses on research, innovation, and educational partnerships with top Indian institutions. It builds on collaborations with IIT Kanpur and IISc, aiming to accelerate research and entrepreneurial programs.