Enable Nalanda 2.0 to launch Ekagrid in Bengaluru in 2022 Fund

This fund is to raise $10,000 for Nalanda 2.0 to enable it to launch Ekagrid, a first-of-its-kind world-class multidisciplinary research university in India, in 2022. Ekagrid (previously University of the Future in India) has reached an agreement with the Karnataka Government to establish Ekagrid in Bengaluru and have signed MOUs. Why does this matter? In the knowledge economy, nations with great universities will thrive. The great universities of the world - be it Stanford, UC Berkeley or MIT of today, or Nalanda of ancient India - are multidisciplinary in nature; serve as engines for research, education, and innovation; drive economic growth; solve the problems of society and humanity; and make lives better for people. However, even after over 70 years of independence, India does not have even one such world-class multidisciplinary research university. What is the current status? Nalanda 2.0 launched this university initiative in 2018. Thanks to the support of over 1075 donors to Nalanda 2.0, which includes Cisco employees and matching company contributions, and dedicated efforts of many, significant progress has been made: assembled an exceptional team, developed an actionable plan, established a Section 8 non-profit company in India with a stellar Board of Directors, announced the founding Chancellor and the founding COO, finalized branding, registered trademarks, and received approvals for 12A and 80G exemptions. Most recently, reached an agreement with the Karnataka Government to establish Ekagrid in Bengaluru and signed two MOUs. More details can be found at https://www.ekagrid.org/. What is the planned impact? When established, Ekagrid will spur the development of high technology industries in India and more broadly, solve problems that matter to society, create new knowledge, spur innovation and entrepreneurship, and prepare the next generation of innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Thus, a gift to launch Ekagrid is a gift that will keep giving back, forever! How will funds be used? With your support, Nalanda 2.0 can complete the key next steps necessary for launching Ekagrid in 2022, including raising Phase 1 funds for the university, purchasing land, receiving regulatory approvals, selecting the founding VC and the founding team, and establishing additional partnerships with premier research universities.