Organization background
Nalanda 2.0 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission of making India’s higher education system world class. It envisions building a private-public partnership to establish a university that will attract world class researchers and faculty. The name 'Nalanda2' is motivated by a university in ancient India that brought together scholars from all over the world to share their knowledge, and was one of the centers of learning in the ancient world.

Project background
The future of India and its 1.3 billion people will be decided by how well they are educated and prepared for their lives and careers. In an increasingly knowledge-based, global, competitive, and connected world, more than ever before, higher education is going to provide a critical foundation for the youth. A vibrant higher education system is also an enabler of lifelong learning, and a thriving research, innovation, and start-up ecosystem. Great universities also preserve and create knowledge. Thus, the universities are the new temples of our society. Nalanda of ancient India was a leading center for higher learning in the world. Unfortunately, India’s higher education system is in crisis. With 1/6th of world's population in India, transforming India's higher education system is a win-win for India and its people, the US, and the global humanity.

Nalanda 2.0 is addressing this important and time-sensitive challenge and opportunity with a 3-pronged plan: 1) Build the University of the Future in India (UFI), 2) Educate stakeholders on the importance and the urgency of the transformation, and 3) Advise decision makers with evidence-based policy recommendations.

UFI will begin by first establishing the Global Institute for AI with an aim to become one of the largest and preeminent interdisciplinary research, education, innovation and startup center in AI in the world within 5 years. Once it establishes its premier position in AI, UFI will add additional centers and expand its disciplines to become a comprehensive research university.

Nalanda 2.0 has an exceptional team with experiences from several world-class multidisciplinary research universities such as Stanford and UC Berkeley, and India’s premier institutions such as the IITs and IIMs.

Project description
In 2018 and 2019 GKF provided support for general expenses of the organization.