University of York signs MoU with Maharashtra govt to set up its first campus in Mumbai

Indian Express

02-05-2025

The University of York has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government for the setting up of its first campus in Mumbai. This comes after the university's Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery discussed the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ongoing World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai.
The memorandum for launching the campus for the university, which is a part of the Russell Group, was officially signed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
While highlighting this initiative as one which would reinforce national development and facilitate the global exchange of knowledge, Fadnavis said, 'It is a privilege to welcome the University of York to Mumbai as we expand world-class educational opportunities in India. The opportunity to connect our students with the academic excellence of a Russell Group institution is particularly valuable and will offer significant academic and research benefits to students and scholars alike, while further enriching the educational landscape.'
The project which also marks a research collaboration between UK and India, with a focus on teaching in the field of creative industries, a statement by the university said.
''This is a truly exciting new venture, and we are committed to building and strengthening our connections in India and contributing to the education of its future leaders and entrepreneurs. York's global reputation rests on its outstanding achievements in teaching and research and is one of only four universities in the UK – alongside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London – which is both in the top 10 in the UK for the quality of its research and has a gold ranking for the quality of its teaching,' Jeffery said.
He further added that the university had research strengths which align with India's priorities, 'especially in the areas of digital technologies, creative industries and the real-world applications for AI systems'.
The plan for a Mumbai campus also follows the launch of its Co-Star Live Lab which, according to the university statement , can present opportunities for researchers in the UK and India to collaborate on new technologies that will enhance the gaming, TV, film, performance and entertainment sectors.
'The strong emphasis on research and innovation alongside high-quality teaching and learning will catalyse research partnerships between innovators from India and the UK. It is especially good to see the focus on the creative industries as well as courses in computer science, AI, cyber security, business and economics, all high potential sectors which will support India and UK growth,' Alison Barrett, Country Director, British Council India, said.
The University of York is also working with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), with researchers and experts focusing on the study of food sustainability in Odisha.