The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad hosted a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Exchange Ceremony with the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), Chicago, marking an important milestone in ICFAI’s continued global engagement initiatives. The event was organized on 20th November 2025 at ICFAI Campus, Hyderabad
The MoU was formally signed by Malllik Sundharam of Illinois Tech and Prof S. Vijayalakshmi, Registrar of ICFAI, marking the official commencement of the internationally significant partnership.
Prof T. Koti Reddy Vice Chancellor, ICFAI, 0in his address highlighted the university’s research culture, case-based teaching approach, and its dedication to expanding international collaborations that enrich student learning and faculty scholarship. Mr. Raghunath Thota, Illinois Tech, in his talk, emphasized Illinois Tech’s commitment to global academic engagement and the many opportunities of the partnership that offers collaborative research, innovation-driven education, and student development.
The Directors of ICFAI Tech, ICFAI Business School and ICFAI School of Social Sciences highlighted the implementation opportunities from the perspectives of their schools during the interactive session. Present at the ceremony was the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Directors, Deans and senior leaders of ICFAI along with Mr. Raghunath Thota, representing Illinois Tech..
Key highlights of the MoU:
The MoU signed by the two institutions outlines several core areas of cooperation. These include joint research initiatives, faculty development opportunities, collaborative academic activities, and program-based partnerships that are expected to benefit both institutions. The MoU also outlines the exchange of students for short-term study, research immersion, and credit-bearing academic engagements, as well as faculty exchanges that would support teaching, curriculum development, and specialized research efforts. Additionally, the MoU encourages co-development of new academic programs, further strengthening interdisciplinary learning pathways across engineering, technology, business, and allied fields.
The partnership significantly contribute to global learning experiences for ICFAI students and enable faculty to participate in high-impact research with international peers. By integrating global academic practices and industry-relevant learning models, both institutions aim to create enriched educational opportunities that reflect the evolving needs of higher education in a globalized world.
About Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago:
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, is a globally recognized research-driven university situated in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. The university stands out as Chicago’s only technology-focused institution and is known for its strong emphasis on engineering, computing, design, law, business, and applied sciences. According to the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings, Illinois Tech is ranked #1 in Illinois and #22 in the United States for graduate salary outcomes, reflecting its strong career impact. Illinois Tech is also the #30 Best Value School and #117 Best National University (U.S. News & World Report, 2026). The university also holds the distinction of being recognized as an “Opportunity College and University,” awarded for its commitment to educational access and student success. A unique hallmark of Illinois Tech is its architectural legacy—its historic Mies Campus features one of the greatest concentrations of buildings designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, including the iconic S.R. Crown Hall, a designated National Historic Landmark.
About ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE):
The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE) is Deemed-to-be University under section 3 of the UGC Act 1956. ICFAI Business School (IBS) is a constituent of IFHE. More than 6,500 students are pursuing various programs in the Faculty of Management (ICFAI Business School), Faculty of Science & Technology (ICFAITech), Faculty of Law (ICFAI Law School), ICFAI School of Social Sciences and ICFAI School of Architecture, NAAC, an autonomous institute of University Grants Commission has also accredited The University with ‘A++’ Grade with an impressive score (institutional CGPA) of 3.59 out of 4. ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education is now a Category-1 Autonomous Institution.
