Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 28 (HBTV): The University of Liverpool, part of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, on Tuesday announced plans to open its first foreign university campus in Bengaluru by 2026.

The event, attended by senior dignitaries from the Government of Karnataka including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, marked a significant milestone in UK-India higher education collaboration. The announcement was celebrated as a symbol of cross-border cooperation, with several senior ministers welcoming the University to Bengaluru.

Present at the event were MC Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education; Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health & Family Welfare; and MB Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development. Their participation underscored Karnataka's unified vision to establish itself as a hub for world-class education.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Minister MB Patil said, 'Bengaluru is a global city, being the Silicon Valley of India. We are pioneers in private professional colleges. The journey started with Manipal and all other institutions. Now we are getting all the top foreign universities in the Global 500 to Bengaluru.'

He added, 'This will further enhance Bengaluru's global image. With institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, ISRO, DRDO and others... So, it is a great leap forward for Bengaluru. If all foreign universities come and establish their set-ups here, our children who want to go to various countries for studies can have the same advantage in Bengaluru.'

According to a release, the new campus will be grounded in the University of Liverpool’s research-intensive culture and internationally recognised academic standards. It will also act as a catalyst for deeper collaboration with Karnataka's innovation ecosystem, connecting students and researchers to emerging industry needs in both India and the UK.

The initial set of programmes will include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design—offered for the first time by a UK university campus in India. A wider range of disciplines is expected to follow in later phases.

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said, 'We are proud to take this significant step in our long-standing relationship with India by opening a world-class campus in Bengaluru. The state of Karnataka’s reputation as a knowledge and technology powerhouse makes it an ideal home for the University’s campus in India. We are committed to delivering transformative education and research in partnership with local communities, institutions and industries.'

Furthering its industry-academic partnerships, Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagements and Partnerships, stated that the University signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Wipro Limited, Axis Bank, and TiE Bangalore.

Welcoming the University's entry into Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, 'Karnataka has always been at the forefront of education and innovation. The University of Liverpool’s decision to set up its first foreign campus in Bengaluru reinforces our status as a global knowledge destination. We welcome them wholeheartedly and are committed to extending all support to make this venture a grand success.'

Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru, said: 'The UK and India have made a commitment to refresh and deepen our partnership to deliver even more for both countries. Our expanded partnership will deliver iconic, forward-looking collaborations in diverse areas such as AI and semiconductors, higher education campuses, and green energy initiatives. The announcement of Liverpool University opening a campus in Bengaluru is both evidence and a celebration of the UK-India partnership.'

He added, 'The Technology Security Initiative, announced in July 2024, will deliver crucial collaboration on telecoms innovation and unlock investment across emerging technologies. Furthermore, the UK-India FTA announced recently delivers on the UK government’s core mission of growing the economy, raising living standards, and putting money in people’s pockets.'

Minister MB Patil noted, 'The University of Liverpool choosing Karnataka for its first overseas campus reflects our state’s growing global stature as a hub for both industry and intellect. This collaboration will drive deeper ties between academia and sectors like electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology—through joint research, internships, and curriculum design. It will also benefit MSMEs and startups by opening access to world-class mentorship and innovation platforms.'

The University already has a strong presence in Karnataka, including a 20-year research partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has informed World Health Organisation vaccine policies and saved over 200,000 lives. Ongoing collaborations with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and corporate partners like Hindustan Unilever further reflect the University’s enduring commitment to the state.

In addition to launching its campus, the University’s leadership is exploring wider partnerships with Indian enterprises and global organisations to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and upskilling—creating meaningful opportunities for both domestic and international students.

With the new Bengaluru campus set to open by 2026, the University of Liverpool aims to bring globally recognised UK education to Indian students, strengthen academic-industry partnerships, and contribute to Karnataka’s ambition of becoming an international hub for learning and innovation.

(ANI)