IIT Bombay Launches Nuclear Engineering Programme; Here’s What You Should Know

Nuclear Engineering Programme Launched by IIT Bombay: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) has recently launched a new programme, called the Nuclear Engineering Programme to back research, innovation and education. The programme will be coordinated by Green Energy and Sustainability Hub (GESH). This is the institute’s move to support India’s clean energy plans under Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025.

According to IIT Bombay, the programme will be focusing on thorium based nuclear systems. India has large thorium reserves, about 25% to 30% of the global reserves, and hence, this programme leverages the country's position and also supports the 3-stage nuclear energy strategy of the country. 

The institute plans to bring together experts from Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Energy Science & Engineering, the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science and the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay. 

IIT Bombay will also root a dedicated Nuclear Measurement Lab to give students the hands on learning experience whilst supporting the advanced research in nuclear science and engineering. 

With the changing national nuclear policy landscape, the programme seeks partnerships between universities, industry and the governments. It also aims to engage new private sector stakeholders to increase high impact research and boost technological innovation in the nuclear systems. 

IIT Bombay on New Nuclear Engineering Programme

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said, “The SHANTI Act has created the conditions for scale, innovation and wider participation. Positioned at the intersection of national policy and technological advancement, IIT Bombay's Nuclear Engineering Programme is being developed in direct response to this shift, with a focus on strengthening research, building indigenous expertise and supporting the country's long-term nuclear energy ambitions".

India’s Vision of Clean Energy

The country’s India Nuclear Energy Forum (INEF) 2026, was held at IIT Bombay and brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia and startups to discuss India's plan of 100 GW nuclear energy and ecosystem priorities, such as SMRs, supply chain development and human resource expansion. 

At the forum, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, NITI Ayog Member, addressed the need to strengthen nuclear ecosystems across supply chains, vendor participation, advanced reactor technologies including SMRs and MMRs, Human Resource Development and MSME engagement to lead innovation and growth.