The University of Bristol has officially opened its Mumbai Enterprise Campus and welcomed its inaugural cohort of students. It’s the University’s first international campus and reflects the University’s long-term commitment to India and its growing engagement with the country’s education, research, innovation and industry ecosystem.
It’s a historic moment for the University, which earlier this week opened the doors to its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in the centre of Bristol and celebrates its 150th anniversary next month. Although some 4,500 miles apart, both campuses focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed in fields that are advancing rapidly, such as data science and finance.
The official opening of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus at Cignus Powai reflects the University’s confidence in India’s talent, innovation ecosystem and growing role in the global knowledge economy. Situated across from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the campus will benefit from a strategic partnership with this world-renowned partner, aligned with the NEP and focusing on translational research and innovative teaching.
In attendance at the opening event was Professor Evelyn Welch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol; Professor Michelle Jones, Director and Executive Dean of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus; Alison Barrett, Country Director India at the British Council India; members of the University leadership team, faculty, industry partners, alumni and scholarship students.
Professor Evelyn Welch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: “Today marks a defining moment in the University of Bristol’s 150-year history and an important milestone in our relationship with Maharashtra. We are confident in India’s extraordinary talent, ambition and growing role in shaping the future of education, research and innovation.
“Through our Mumbai Enterprise Campus, we aim to create new opportunities for research, innovation and knowledge exchange while providing students with a world-class Bristol education that is focused on the opportunities and challenges of the future.”
Joining the celebrations were the four recipients of the University of Bristol-Government of Maharashtra Scholarship – a landmark scheme launched earlier this year to support promising students from the state.
Neha Kushe, recipient of the University of Bristol–Government of Maharashtra Scholarship, said: “Receiving the Chief Minister’s Scholarship is a moment that I am extremely grateful for. For me, it is not just an opportunity, but also it fuels my belief that my aspirations are worth investing in. Coming from a background in Physics and choosing to pursue a Master’s in Finance and Investment is a completely new direction for me, and this scholarship has given me the confidence to take that step.
“Being able to study at the University of Bristol’s Mumbai Enterprise Campus allows me to gain a globally recognised education while remaining in Mumbai. I am grateful to the Government of Maharashtra and the University of Bristol for this opportunity and see it as an investment in young people and what we can contribute in the future.”
The commencement of academic operations was accompanied by a three-week pre-semester journey with the inaugural cohort as part of the Bristol Global Futures Lab. The programme featured a series of industry-led sessions focused on three essential foundations: knowing yourself, understanding your strengths and building meaningful relationships.
Professor Michelle Jones, Director and Executive Dean of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus, said: “We are committed to India and to a more globally connected model of higher education in the country, and have received such a positive response from students and parents as we embark on our first year.
“The activities that marked the opening of the campus, including industry dialogues, leadership conversations and experiential learning opportunities, are an early example of how we intend to connect academic excellence with industry, innovation and society. We look forward to building a vibrant community that strengthens collaboration between India and the UK while preparing students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
