1995 Batch IIT Delhi alumnus donates Rs 1 Cr for creation of Uma-Puruskar-Liril Gupta Chair in Quantum Computing

By iednewsdesk Last updated May 1, 2020

New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and its 1995 batch alumnus Mr Prashant Gupta have signed an MoU to create the Uma-Puruskar-Liril Gupta Chair in Future Computing Technologies at the institute.
The MoU has been signed by Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi and Mr Prashant Gupta.
Mr Gupta has donated a sum of Rs.1 Cr to his alma mater to fund the endowment to establish the chair through which he wishes to support the mission and future success of the Institute as well as to recognize the contribution of his family members in his success.
The chair has been created to promote excellence and leadership in teaching and Research & Development in the area of Quantum Computing and High-Performance Computing with primary emphasis given to Quantum Computing which is an exciting field that promises to revolutionise computing in the future.
IIT Delhi alumnus Mr Prashant Gupta said: “My IIT Delhi stint was life-changing, and this is a small token of my gratitude for the institute as well as members of my family who helped me extraordinarily in my formative years. I hope this contribution helps IIT Delhi make rapid progress in the area of Quantum Computing”
Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said: “IIT Delhi strongly encourages alumni involvement in institute activities. We have created multiple mechanisms for alumni to get engaged with the institute. Support for creation of Chair positions in niche areas is one of them. We are happy that alumni are taking interest in this activity. We have over 50 Chair faculty positions at IIT Delhi right now supported from various sources.”
The primary selection criteria for the chair will be an excellent research profile in the area of Quantum Computing. IIT Delhi is looking for a person who can bootstrap the Indian ecosystem around this nascent and very important area of research.
Mr Prashant Gupta has had stints at McKinsey & Company, Aditya Birla Group and Emaar India. He is now preparing to launch a new entrepreneurial venture shortly.