US Ambassador Gor Launches US-India TRUST Fellowship 2026-27 in Bengaluru

US Ambassador Sergio Gor launched the US-India TRUST Fellowship during the US Mission's National Day reception in Bengaluru, held to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. The programme will bring postdoctoral researchers and early-career faculty from US institutions to India for year-long collaborative research projects.

Indian Universities to Be Part of US-India TRUST Fellowship 2026-27

The initiative brings together leading American and Indian institutions to drive joint research. On the Indian side, the participating institutions include the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). The US Consulate General Chennai is also part of the collaboration. Together, these institutions will host American researchers for hands-on projects in emerging technology fields.

About the US-India TRUST Fellowship

1. The fellowship is a public-private partnership designed to strengthen strategic technology cooperation between the US and India through academic exchange.
2.  Its goals include building long-term research partnerships, supporting outcomes like publications, patents and commercialisation, and advancing work in critical and emerging technology areas. 
3. Selected researchers will undertake 12-month collaborative projects at top Indian institutions, with the programme running from August 2026 to July 2027. 
4. Up to 20 postdoctoral researchers from the US are expected to take part in these India-based projects.

Who Can Apply for the US-India TRUST Fellowship?

The fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers, PhD researchers, and early-career faculty from leading US institutions. Applicants must propose research that fits within the fellowship's designated strategic technology fields. Preference will be given to US citizens who have no prior research experience in India, encouraging fresh academic exposure and new collaborative ties.

Who Is Funding the US-India TRUST Fellowship 2026-27?

The fellowship is backed entirely by private funding from two founding sponsors: Pratithi Investments, linked to Kris Gopalakrishnan, and Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP), founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.