University of Manchester plans new education, research centre in Bengaluru

The University of Manchester has announced plans to establish a new centre for education, research and innovation in Bengaluru, India, to strengthen its engagement with Indian universities, businesses, researchers and students.

The announcement was made on October 15, 2026, during the first-ever Great North Mayoral Mission to India, which took place from October 12 to 16. The proposed centre will provide a permanent base for the UK university to build partnerships with India's education, technology and research sectors.

According to the university, the centre will create opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, work placements and industry-led projects. It will follow the principles of the university's Partner-Enabled Learning (PEL) model, which integrates real-world projects with academic programmes.

The university said the proposed centre would bring together academic expertise, industry knowledge and entrepreneurial talent to address shared challenges and create opportunities for students and researchers.

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Bengaluru centre to focus on industry-linked learning

The proposed centre will build on the university's Partner-Enabled Learning model in the UK. The model aims to bridge skills gaps by involving employers, public bodies and community organisations in degree programmes through credit-bearing projects and micro-internships.

It focuses on developing practical skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration and engagement with employers, alongside academic learning.

The University of Manchester already has relationships with businesses and industry partners in India, including Reliance, Tata and Infosys, as well as a wider network of technology companies. The proposed centre will build on these relationships to expand industry engagement and create opportunities for students and researchers.

Bengaluru for research and innovation

The university has identified Bengaluru as its preferred location because of the city's strong presence in higher education, technology and innovation. The city is home to universities, research institutes, global businesses and technology companies, many of which already collaborate with the university's academics and graduates.

The university said the centre would support its ambition to expand its international presence and strengthen partnerships with India's research, technology and innovation communities.

The announcement was made at a special event at Science Gallery Bengaluru, attended by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, and other representatives from education, business and culture. The event also featured panel discussions on innovation and culture led by the university's president and vice-chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison.

Vice-Chancellor on India ties

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Duncan Ivison said the university's relationship with India extended across education, business and culture.

Ivison said, “There is an incredible depth to Manchester’s relationship with India across education, business and culture. Our collaborations with these partners reflect who we are – open, values-led and ambitious in what we set out to achieve, so it’s been immensely valuable to see that reflected in the constructive conversations with the people I’ve met during this mission."

He added, "That ambition continues with new partnerships formed this week. 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.”

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University of Manchester expands global engagement

The proposed Bengaluru centre is part of the university's strategy, From Manchester for the World, which aims to strengthen its global presence and connect its academic expertise with international research and innovation communities.

The centre also aligns with the university's International Delivery Plan under its Manchester 2035 strategy. The plan identifies international partnerships as an important part of expanding research, creating educational opportunities and strengthening innovation.

The University of Manchester already has international centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.

The India visit is also part of the university's Challenge Accepted fundraising and volunteering campaign, which has included launch events in Delhi and Mumbai.

The university said the proposed centre would build on decades of collaboration with partners across India and create further opportunities for joint work in education, research and innovation.