IT Bombay has recently appointed Rajesh Gopinathan, the former CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), as the Head of Translational Research and Entrepreneurship, along with the designation of Professor of Practice. This move is part of the institute’s ongoing efforts to advance applied research and entrepreneurship.
IIT Bombay has been actively involved in establishing the IITB research park, India’s first school on entrepreneurship, and various industry-specific applied research initiatives, including those in biotechnology, medical devices, and artificial intelligence. Recently, a translational research center was established to facilitate the transition of intellectual property from the laboratory to industry.
“We have a tradition of actively involving industry leaders in shaping our plans. As we look to advance our ambitious agenda of applied research and entrepreneurship, we are delighted to welcome Rajesh Gopinathan. His global exposure and experience in the rapid scaling up at TCS will play a pivotal role in taking our agenda to the next level,” said IIT Bombay’s Director, Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri.
“I am very excited and happy with the opportunity to contribute to the growth of such an iconic national institution. IIT Bombay’s research infrastructure and globally respected faculty and talent pool position it uniquely to play a leadership role in shaping the innovation agenda in India and globally. I look forward to working with the IIT Bombay team in charting the next leg of this journey together,” Gopinathan said,an alumnus of NIT Trichy.
This significant move comes shortly after Gopinathan concluded his tenure with TCS, the largest IT services firm in the country. Media reports had earlier suggested his potential role as a senior advisor in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) practice at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Gopinathan’s remarkable 22-year career at TCS, including a six-year tenure as CEO, saw substantial growth in revenues and significant returns to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
