NEW DELHI: In a significant philanthropic gesture, Anant Yardi, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and alumnus of IIT Delhi, has pledged $8 million to the institute, matching an earlier contribution and bringing his total donation to approximately $16 million.
According to the institute, the funds will be directed toward advancing artificial intelligence research and supporting campus infrastructure development. The contribution comes at a time when institutions across India are seeking to expand capabilities in emerging technologies while accommodating growing academic demand.
Officials at IIT Delhi said the donation is intended to strengthen the institute’s academic and research ecosystem, aligning with broader efforts to enhance institutional capacity and innovation.
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Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Interdisciplinary Research
A substantial portion of the funding will support the Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence (ScAI), an initiative established by Yardi in 2020. The school focuses on interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
Its work spans a range of applications, including healthcare diagnostics, robotics, materials science, Industry 4.0 systems, climate and weather modeling, and intelligent transportation. By fostering collaboration across departments, the program aims to bridge traditional academic silos and enable research with real-world impact.
Alumnus Anant Yardi Pledges Transformational Gift to Strengthen AI Leadership and Campus Infrastructure at IIT Delhi
In a significant boost to innovation and institutional development, Mr. Anant Yardi, Board Chairman and Founder of Yardi Systems and an alumnus of #IITDelhi… pic.twitter.com/jeOa7qqrFK
— IIT Delhi (@iitdelhi) March 19, 2026
The institute noted that the funding will also enhance computational infrastructure and support advanced research projects, academic programs, and fellowships designed to nurture innovation.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Institutional Capacity
Beyond research, part of the donation will contribute to IIT Delhi’s Infrastructure Renewal and Expansion Programme. The initiative includes the development of new academic buildings, modern laboratories, student housing, and upgraded campus facilities.
These improvements are intended to accommodate increasing enrollment and research activity while improving both academic delivery and campus life. The institute said such investments are critical to sustaining long-term growth and maintaining global competitiveness.
Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, described the contribution as a “visionary support” that would significantly enhance the institute’s capabilities in artificial intelligence while enabling the development of world-class infrastructure.
From IIT Delhi to Global Entrepreneurship
Yardi graduated from IIT Delhi in 1968 before moving to the United States, where he built a career at the intersection of technology and business. He is the founder and chairman of Yardi Systems, a global provider of real estate asset and property management software.
Before establishing his company, Yardi spent 14 years at Burroughs Corporation, working on programming methodologies and systems development during a formative period in the computing industry. He later earned a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of California Berkeley.
Reflecting on his contribution, Yardi said he remained grateful to IIT Delhi for the educational foundation that shaped his career. The institute, in turn, noted that such alumni engagement highlights the growing role of global graduates in supporting research, infrastructure, and long-term academic development.
