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U.S.-India TRUST Fellowship

Founding Sponsors: Pratiksha Trust and
Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP)

July 2026 - June 2027

Apply Here

About the Fellowship

The U.S.-India TRUST Fellowship is a public–private partnership led by U.S. Consulate General Chennai, aligned with the February 2025 U.S.–India joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on advancing strategic technology cooperation.

Sponsored by Pratiksha Trust and Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP) and hosted by MAHE, IISc and IITM, this initiative in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General Chennai supports outstanding post-doctoral researchers and early career faculty from leading U.S. institutions to conduct innovative research at premier universities in India for 12-months and explore future career opportunities.

Program Objectives

  • Foster academic exchange between the United States and India and strengthen long-term international partnerships

  • Enable impactful research outcomes – publications, patents, and commercialization.

Research Focus Areas

  • Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing

  • Defense and Space

  • Semiconductors

  • Biotechnology

  • Energy

  • Other fields aligned with the “Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology” (TRUST) initiative

Fellowship Support and Benefits

  • Monthly stipend: $1,650

  • For exceptional candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for early career faculty, IIT Madras will consider applicants for its Young International Faculty program, which will provide an enhanced monthly stipend (a consolidated total of $3,650 per month, if selected).

  • Accommodation

  • Health/medical insurance

  • One round-trip economy airfare between U.S. residence city and Chennai

  • Contingency research grant: up to (insert amount in $$)

  • Visa and on-ground logistical support

Eligibility

  • Post-doctoral researchers / Early Career faculty from leading U.S. institutions

  • Research must align with TRUST strategic technology fields

  • Preference for U.S. citizens with no prior experience in India

Application Process

Required documents:

  • Academic CV (including top 2–3 publications)
  • Research plan (2–3 pages)
  • Host faculty consent letter (optional)
Photo of Rupa Suhas Pandit

Contact Person

Rupa Suhas Pandit

Designation: Senior Project Officer

Email: projects@ge.iitm.ac.in

Telephone: +91 44 22578869, +91 8925488834