On 14 May 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay marked a significant milestone with the ground-breaking ceremony of its upcoming Advanced Research Labs (ARL).
This high-end facility has been envisioned to strengthen the Institute’s advanced scientific and technological research ecosystem and to provide a world-class platform for interdisciplinary innovation.
The event was attended by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-Bombay, Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Deputy Director (Finance & Infrastructure Affairs), Mr. Abhay Nadkarni, Committee member (NN315), as well as Deans, Associate Deans, faculty members, end users, the project team of the IPS office, Architect M/s AAD, and other distinguished guests.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by Kiran Janjalkar, Deputy Executive Engineer of the IPS Office. Prof. P. Vedagiri, Dean of IPS, highlighted the salient features of the project and its strategic importance for the Institute’s research ambitions.
The ARL facility is conceived as an integrated high-technology research campus comprising four specialised research blocks dedicated to Mechanical Engineering, Quantum Technology, Semiconductor Technology, and Ocean Engineering.
This multi-disciplinary approach reflects IIT-Bombay’s commitment to fostering collaboration across diverse scientific domains.
The architectural design of the ARL has been conceived as a unified expression that responds sensitively to the site’s natural topography. Sustainability is a key feature, with the building targeted for a GRIHA 4-star rating.
The facility will include a common administrative and interaction hub, providing workspaces, conference facilities, exhibition areas, and industry collaboration spaces. This hub is intended to serve as a vibrant centre for knowledge exchange and partnerships with industry and academia.
The project incorporates a steel-framed Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) structural system, which enables large column-free spans, modular adaptability, and faster construction timelines.
This modern construction approach ensures flexibility for future expansions and adaptability to evolving research needs.
The facility will house advanced clean-room laboratories, vibration-isolated equipment, high-end utility support systems, and specialised experimental facilities, thereby meeting the stringent requirements of cutting-edge scientific research.
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-Bombay, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the IPS office team and reiterated the Institute’s commitment to creating world-class research infrastructure.
He emphasised that the ARL will foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific advancement at the highest level.
The facility is expected to significantly enhance IIT-Bombay’s ability to undertake pioneering research in areas critical to India’s technological future, including quantum computing, semiconductor fabrication, advanced mechanical systems, and ocean engineering technologies.
The ARL project represents a forward-looking vision for IIT-Bombay, aligning with national priorities in science and technology.
By integrating advanced infrastructure with sustainable design and collaborative spaces, the Institute is positioning itself as a leader in global research and innovation.
The ground-breaking of the ARL marks not only the beginning of a major construction project but also a new chapter in IIT-Bombay’s journey towards excellence in scientific discovery and technological development.
IIT-Bombay News
