A highly respected engineer and Indian origin academic, Anant Chandrakasana has been appointed as the new Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), becoming the first Indian-American to hold this prestigious post. Born in Chennai, India, one of the top leaders in global academics from a curious young student of Chandrakasan is a story of innovation, excellence, and perseverance. With a deep background in electrical engineering and a proven track record of leadership at MIT, he enters this role during an important time for higher education. His appointment is not only a historic milestone for MIT, but also shows the growing effect of Indian original professionals in shaping global educational and research scenarios.
Big news from MIT!⁰ Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan—longtime RLE researcher and former Dean of Engineering—has been named MIT’s new Provost. A visionary leader in low-power tech, AI, and climate innovation, he’s championed programs like SuperUROP and MIT HEALS.
— RLE at MIT (@RLEatMIT) June 17, 2025
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Who is Anant Chandrakasana?
Anant Chandrakasan is an Indian original engineer, researcher, and academic leader who has been appointed as the new Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is known for his groundbreaking work in low-power electronics and major initiatives in research, innovation, and education. His career at MIT spans more than three decades, during which he has played an important role in shaping the engineering and innovation landscape of the institute. His appointment as Provost is a historic milestone, making him the first Indian-American to hold this top academic post at MIT.
Early Life and Education Qualifications
Anant Chandrakasan was born in Chennai, India, in an academically oriented family - his mother was a Fulbright Scholar and Biochemist. He moved to the United States during his high school years. Inspired by a strong interest in science and technology, he pursued his higher studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned:
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Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS 1989) (1989)
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Master of Science (MS) (1990)
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Ph.D. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (1994)
His doctoral research focuses on low-power CMOS digital design, which laid the foundation for his future work.
Career at MIT
Chandrakasan joined MIT in 1994 as a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). He quickly recognized his research in the ultra-low-power circuit design, which contributed significantly to the development of energy-efficient mobile, medical, and IOT devices.
His leadership roles include:
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Director of Microsystems Technology Laboratories of MIT (2006-2011)
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Head of EECS Department (2011-2017)
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Dean of the School of Engineering (2017–2024)
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Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer (2024)
In these roles, he launched several major initiatives such as MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, Rising Stars (to promote women in academics), and the climate and stability consortium.
In 2025, he was appointed as the 14th Provost of MIT, where he now oversees academic policies, faculty affairs, research strategy, and global educational cooperation. His leadership style is known for investing deeply in both partners, forward-thinking and innovation, and inclusion.
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