University of Manchester plans new Bengaluru center to connect students with industry

The proposed India base will build on the university's Partner-Enabled Learning model, creating opportunities for internships, work placements and international research collaboration

The University of Manchester announced plans for a new center in Bengaluru, India, during the Great North Mayoral Mission in October 2026

The University of Manchester has announced plans to establish a new center in Bengaluru, India, creating a permanent base for education, research and industry partnerships. The proposed development will bring the university's academic expertise together with Indian institutions and businesses, while expanding opportunities for students to gain practical experience with employers.

The announcement was made during the first Great North Mayoral Mission to India, held from 12 to 16 October 2026, which brought together universities, businesses, civic leaders and cultural organizations from across Northern England.

Bengaluru has been identified as the preferred location due to its concentration of universities, research institutions and technology businesses, including organizations already working with Manchester's academics and graduates.

New opportunities for students to work with industry

A central element of the proposed center is the expansion of the University of Manchester's Partner-Enabled Learning (PEL) model, which integrates employer-led projects and practical experience into degree programs.

Through the Bengaluru center, the university plans to create opportunities for internships, work placements and industry-led projects, connecting students with employers, public bodies and community organizations.

The existing PEL approach includes credit-bearing projects and micro-internships designed to develop skills such as problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration alongside academic study.

Manchester already has relationships with major Indian businesses, including Reliance, Tata and Infosys, as well as a wider network of technology companies. The proposed center will build on those connections to strengthen industry engagement and create further opportunities for students and researchers.

Manchester expands its research partnerships in India

The plans also extend an established network of academic partnerships between the university and Indian institutions.

In 2021, Manchester became the first UK university to establish a joint PhD program with an Indian institution, launching a dual-award arrangement with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur).

Its other collaborations include the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, BITS Pilani, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

The proposed Bengaluru center will provide a permanent platform for further educational partnerships, collaborative research and innovation, connecting Manchester's academic expertise with India's research and technology communities.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, says:

"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."

The announcement was made at an event at Science Gallery Bengaluru, attended by university alumni and leaders from business and culture. The program included panel discussions on innovation and culture led by Professor Ivison.

The proposed development forms part of the university's international strategy, From Manchester for the World, and its Manchester 2035 ambitions, which identify global engagement and international partnerships as institutional priorities.

Manchester already operates international centers in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. Bengaluru would extend that network, although an opening date for the proposed center has not yet been announced.

ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.

Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time. 

Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.