KGP’s Entrepreneurial DNA: From Alumni Success to the Next Generation of Startups
In the 2026 PitchBook University Rankings, IIT Kharagpur was ranked 49th globally for producing venture-capital-backed startup founders. PitchBook's ranking measures universities by the number of alumni who have founded companies that have attracted venture capital. IIT Kharagpur’s position puts it among the world’s leading universities for entrepreneurial outcomes, and ahead of several globally renowned institutions.
Alumni-founded companies include some of the most recognizable names in India’s technology economy, from Swiggy and Udaan to OfBusiness, Slice and Pocket FM. IITKGP’s entrepreneurial footprint is global. Current Crunchbase data identifies 900+ organizations founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni, spanning India, the U.S. and other markets. At home, KGP Launchpad is building the next generation of founders, connecting 90+ founders, 140+ alumni and 350+ students—momentum that aligns perfectly with the Institute’s Platinum Jubilee vision for the next 75 years.
There are five recent IITKGP startups have received particular attention in Pitchbook's report:
- Swiggy — Co-founded by Rahul Jaimini (2010), the food-delivery platform became one of India’s best-known technology companies.
- Rubrik — Founded by Bipul Sinha (1996), the Silicon Valley data-security company grew into a global technology leader and went public on the NYSE in 2024.
- OfBusiness — Co-founded by Asish Mohapatra (2002), the B2B commerce and financing platform became one of India’s unicorns.
- Udaan — Co-founded by Amod Malviya (2002), Udaan helped reshape B2B commerce in India.
- Slice — Founded by Rajan Bajaj (2014), the fintech company has emerged as a major player in India's digital financial-services landscape.
The next chapter is already being built on campus.
KGP’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is becoming more structured, connected and ambitious. The Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship and E-Cell are now complemented by KGP Launchpad, which connects students, alumni, founders, mentors and investors. KGP Forge provides selected ventures with seed funding and intensive mentorship, while the Institute’s Research Park in Kolkata is being developed as a hub where industry, researchers and startups can work together. The Platinum Jubilee Innovation Challenge, with a ₹2-crore prize pool, is encouraging students to tackle deep-tech, sustainability and campus challenges through interdisciplinary innovation.
The PitchBook ranking is more than a number. It is a snapshot of a legacy—and a glimpse of the future. The first 75 years produced generations of entrepreneurs who built companies around the world. The opportunity now is to help the next generation build even bigger, deeper and more consequential ventures from Kharagpur.
From builders of companies to builders of the future—that is the entrepreneurial promise of KGP@75.
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The IITKGP Foundation