Dr. Naresh Chand Gupta, a distinguished alumnus and successful entrepreneur, has announced a generous donation of ₹10 crore to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). Made jointly with his wife, Nidhi Gupta, this significant contribution is earmarked to bolster student residential facilities at the prestigious institution.
Boosting Campus Infrastructure
The ₹10 crore donation will specifically fund the construction of one residential tower within the forthcoming Hall of Residence-15 at IIT Kanpur. This expansive new hostel complex is designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 students and will feature four residential towers. Each tower will be equipped with modern amenities, including dedicated study rooms, recreational spaces, well-appointed dining areas, and collaborative lounges. Furthermore, the design incorporates accessibility-friendly infrastructure and sustainable features such as solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient construction practices.
Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the critical role that quality residential spaces play in the holistic development of students beyond the classroom. The Hall of Residence-15 project aligns with the institute's strategic vision to create future-ready infrastructure that fosters academic excellence, promotes sustainability, and ensures student well-being.
The Journey of a Tech Pioneer
Dr. Naresh Gupta graduated from IIT Kanpur's Computer Science and Engineering department in 1988. He then pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned both his Master's and PhD degrees. His doctoral research made substantial contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and automated planning.
Widely recognized for founding Adobe India, Dr. Gupta was instrumental in transforming the company's research and development center into one of India's most successful technology hubs. Under his leadership, Adobe India played a pivotal role in the development of globally popular software products, including Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop Elements, and Captivate. His pioneering efforts earned him accolades such as the “Father of Offshore R&D” by Silicon India and the “R&D Visionaries Award” by Zinnov.
In 2025, IIT Kanpur honored Dr. Gupta with its prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award, acknowledging his profound impact on the technology sector and his ongoing commitment to the institute. Today, Dr. Gupta is the founder of AccuraCap, a technology-driven asset management firm that leverages quantitative research and artificial intelligence for investment strategies. Despite his global success, he maintains strong ties with IIT Kanpur through continued philanthropy and mentorship, reflecting his enduring dedication to his alma mater.