Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program
About the Program :
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has launched the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation Accelerator Program, a new initiative aimed at strengthening the Institute's research ecosystem and enabling high-potential young faculty. The programme is facilitated by the IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation and has been instituted by distinguished alumnus Dr. Deepak Raghavan.
At the core of the initiative is a five-year Endowed Chair Professorship for faculty members aged 45 and below. The Chair will be supported through a fellowship to one PhD Scholar and a dedicated research fund, access to research staff, and resources that allow the faculty member to build a strong, independent research programme while contributing to teaching and academic leadership at IIT Delhi.
By integrating a Chair professorship, a PhD fellowship, and a research grant, the program is expected to drive:
- Significant advancement in the selected research domain
- Creation of a world-class research group producing high-quality publications, patents, and technological innovations
- Strengthening of India's research and talent pipeline in the focus area
- Increased industry collaboration and contribution to societal relevance of research
- Enhanced global visibility for both IIT Delhi and Contributor's transformational contribution
Projected Programme Payout
| Year | Chair (₹ Cr) | Fellowship(₹ Cr) | Research Grant (Incl. Overhead) (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.05 | 0.05 | - |
| 2 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.09 |
| 3 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.19 |
| 4 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.29 |
| 5 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.39 |
| Ongoing | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.39 |
Eligibility :
- The Chair position will be open to applicants up to 45 years of age of all the departments/ academic units.
- Any eligible faculty member/researcher may submit a proposal for consideration by 16th February 2026.
Download Application Form:
Download the application form and guidelines to submit your proposal:
Download Application Form (DOCX)About Dr. Deepak Raghavan :
Educational Background:
Deepak Raghavan is a versatile leader who co-founded Manhattan Associates in 1990, where he pioneered the industry's first distribution management software. After the company's successful 1998 IPO, he transitioned in 2002 to follow his passion for science, earning a Ph.D. in Astronomy and becoming a professor at Georgia State University.
While he officially retired as a director of Manhattan Associates in 2025, he remains a dedicated philanthropist as president of the Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation. His charitable efforts focus on education, animal conservation, and healthcare, complemented by board leadership at institutions like the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
An avid runner, he has impressively completed a marathon or half-marathon in every U.S. state.
