UAlbany Visit to India Marks New Milestone with Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management
By Amy Geduldig
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 5, 2026) — A University at Albany delegation traveled to India this week to mark a new milestone in its partnership with the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM), joining university officials, academic leaders and industry partners for the formal launch of the new STEM and management university in Bengaluru.
The launch highlighted UAlbany's role as a knowledge partner to RISM, providing guidance on curriculum and faculty development as the new university builds academic programs and research opportunities in STEM and management. Through the one-of-a-kind partnership, students will build the skills and experience needed for careers in emerging fields of technology and business.
UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez, Provost Carol Kim, Vice President for Research and Economic Development Thenkurussi “Kesh” Kesavadas, Vice President for University Development Fardin Sanai, Director of the AI Plus Institute and Empire Innovation Professor Balakrishnan “Prabha” Prabhakaran and other campus leaders participated in launch events and panel discussions focused on the future of engineering education, artificial intelligence, translational research and industry collaboration. The delegation also attended a ceremonial lamp lighting to celebrate the opening of the RISM’s transit campus in Yelahanka, where academic operations are expected to begin in August 2026, as well as a ribbon-cutting for a dedicated UAlbany space on the campus.
During the formal launch ceremony, Rodríguez delivered remarks on the role of international partnerships in advancing innovation, research and student success. The delegation also joined discussions with Ramaiah leaders and industry experts about how universities can better connect learning, capability, innovation and societal impact.
“The University at Albany is so proud to have built a strong partnership with our colleagues here in Bengaluru. Our partnership is not symbolic – it is innovative, substantive, impactful, and transformative. RISM’s students will have access to global learning opportunities, including curriculum co-developed by RISM and UAlbany faculty, exchange programs, and research collaborations. Here, they will learn to be engaged global citizens,” said Rodríguez in his remarks.
The collaboration creates a framework for both institutions to explore faculty exchanges, student coursework, internships, service-learning activities and research opportunities. It also builds on UAlbany's strengths in computer science, engineering, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors while supporting RISM as it develops new academic programs and research initiatives.
RISM is being established as a next-generation university designed to connect classroom learning with real-world application through industry-aligned coursework, capstone projects, hands-on learning and translational research. Initial academic programs are expected to include computer science and artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, electrical sciences, business and technology management.
