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BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier universities, has received a generous $1 million donation from Pankaj Patel, a renowned entrepreneur and distinguished alumnus. This significant contribution will support the university’s $100 million Endowment Fund, aimed at enhancing academic excellence and innovation.
About Pankaj Patel: A Visionary Leader in Technology
- BITS Pilani Alumnus (Class of 1975)
- Founder & CEO of Nile, a leading US-based tech company revolutionizing secure networking solutions.
- Former Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer at Cisco Systems, where he oversaw a $38 billion product portfolio and led 180 strategic acquisitions.
- Previously associated with JC2 Ventures & March Capital, offering strategic guidance to global tech firms.
With over 40 years of experience, Patel has built and led world-class engineering teams, driving innovation in scalable product development and strategic technology advancements.
Pankaj Patel on Giving Back to BITS Pilani
"BITS Pilani laid the foundation for my journey in technology and leadership. Giving back to this incredible institution is my way of nurturing the next generation of thinkers and innovators." – Pankaj Patel
Beyond his leadership at Nile, Patel mentors tech startups, serving as a board member and strategic advisor, furthering innovation in Silicon Valley.
BITS Pilani Leadership Reacts to the Contribution
Vice Chancellor Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao:
"This contribution highlights the unwavering commitment of our alumni to the institute’s growth and development. Pankaj Patel’s support will help us create transformative educational experiences for generations to come."
Dean of Alumni Relations Prof. Arya Kumar:
"We are immensely proud of our alumni like Pankaj Patel, who continue to give back and strengthen the BITS Pilani legacy. His contribution will catalyze growth through academic excellence."
About BITS Pilani: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1964, BITS Pilani is a top-tier private university, recognized globally for its academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and technological innovation.
Recent Achievements:
#1 in Employment Outcomes & Sustainability among Indian private institutions (QS World University Rankings 2025).
#1 Engineering Institute (Times All India Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey 2024).
#3 World’s Most Beautiful University (Lifestyle Asia).
For more details, visit bits-pilani.ac.in.
Impact of the $1 Million Donation
Patel’s contribution will:
Support research and academic development.
Enhance student learning experiences.
Strengthen BITS Pilani’s position as a global leader in education and innovation.
This landmark donation underscores the power of alumni giving back and marks a major step toward achieving BITS Pilani’s ambitious $100 million Endowment Fund goal.
