BITS Pilani Names Professor Mohan Krishnamoorthy as Founding Director of Amaravati Campus

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has officially announced the appointment of Professor Mohan Krishnamoorthy as the founding director of its new Amaravati campus. The appointment is scheduled to take effect in January 2027, marking a significant step in the institution's expansion plans.

In his new capacity, Professor Krishnamoorthy will be tasked with spearheading the development of the campus's core infrastructure, including its academic framework, research initiatives, and industry-linked ecosystems. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in establishing the campus as a hub for innovation and global collaboration.

Leadership and Strategic Vision for the New Campus

Professor Krishnamoorthy brings a wealth of experience to the role, currently serving as the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor for India Engagement at RMIT University and as the Director of Industry Research and Interactive Learning Solutions (IRIS) at BITS Pilani. A specialist in Operations Research with a PhD from Imperial College London, he is well-positioned to oversee the integration of academic excellence with practical industry applications.

According to BITS Pilani Vice Chancellor Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, the selection of Professor Krishnamoorthy was driven by his extensive background in institutional leadership and his proven ability to foster international partnerships. The university aims to leverage his expertise to build a campus environment that bridges the gap between students, faculty, and global industry leaders.

Focus on Emerging Technologies and Research

The Amaravati campus is being designed with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technological fields. The curriculum and research focus are expected to center on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, robotics, data science, and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, the institute plans to explore digital transformation and life sciences, with a specific interest in developing technologies that address pressing societal and environmental challenges.

Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Krishnamoorthy noted that the role offers a unique opportunity to cultivate the campus's culture and academic ambitions from the ground up. He emphasized that the integration of AI and modern technology will be central to the campus’s mission to contribute meaningfully to government, industry, and the broader community. As the founding director, he will be responsible for building the foundational academic programs and research activities that will define the campus's future trajectory.