When discussing technology & science, India is often at the forefront of our thoughts. India is a leader when it comes to science and technology services. All thanks to institutes like IITs (Indian Institute of Technology), NITs (National Institute of Technology) and many other engineering colleges which produces exceptional engineers. These engineers secures position in global technology companies, and some of them have even risen to the role of CEO in many MNCs. This achievements is not only prestigious for our institutions but also for us as Indians. In this blog, we will discuss the companies led by Indian origin CEOs & how IITs & NITs are enhancing technology in India by producing such remarkable talents.
The IITs (Indian Institute of Technology), NITs (National Institute of Technology), and other leading technology institutions in India have been crucial in making India a shining star technology and science by delivering top class education and producing brilliant minds. These prestigious institutions are known for world class infrastructure, top class technological research, state-of-the-art teaching technique. These elements jointly make these institutions one of the best in the world. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has ranked 149th by QS World University Rankings 2025. With specialized programs in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, block chain, and cyber security, These institutions equip graduates with technological knowledge required to excel in today’s fast track evolving tech world. The creativity and real world scenario inculcated by these institutions inspire students to think creatively and apply their knowledge to real-world problems by emphasizing experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and group problem-solving in addition to academics. Many graduates of IIT, NIT, and other tech colleges are now in leadership positions in multinational IT firms. Some of the alumni of these colleges are starting profitable startups that support India’s expanding tech sector. These institutions play a crucial role in India’s development as a technology powerhouse, influencing the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders as the nation establishes itself as a global center for innovation and digital transformation.
Alumni of IITs, Other Indian Technology Institutes & Their Success Stories
- N. R. Narayana Murthy, IIT, Kanpur: Born on 20th August 1946, at Sidlaghatta, Karnataka in a middle-class Hindu family, is an Indian billionaire and was a alumnus of IIT, Kanpur. He co-founded Infosys along with his 06 other counterparts. Murthy began his career as a principal systems programmer at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and later at Patni Computer Systems in Pune, Maharashtra. He established Infosys in 1981 and served as chairman from 2002 to 2011 in addition to serving as CEO from 1981 to 2002. He has a net worth of 5.3 Billion USD, which makes him the 62nd richest person in India (as per Forbes).
- Sundar Pichai, IIT, Kharagpur: Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu to Regunath Pichai & Lakshmi was an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur. He earned his degree in metallurgical engineering from IIT Kharagpur. Pichai joined Google in 2004. Before joining Google, he worked at Applied Material and McKinsey & Company. His leadership influenced the development of important products including Android, Gmail, and Google Chrome. He was named CEO of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, in 2015. Google has increased its presence in fields including cloud computing, driverless cars, and artificial intelligence under his direction. The success of Pichai is evidence of the quality of talent generated by India’s leading technical schools. Pichai was appointed CEO of Google on the 10th of August, 2015.
- Satya Nadella, MIT, Karnataka: Born in 1967 in Hyderabad into a Telegu Hindu family to Prabhavati & Bukkapuram Nadella Yugandhar, was an alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka. Before joining Microsoft in 1992, he worked at Sun Microsystems. Nadella was vice-president of the Microsoft Business Division and Research and Development (R&D) senior vice-president for the Online Services Division. Nadella was announced as CEO of Microsoft on 4th February 2014.
- Arvind Krishna, IIT, Kanpur: Born into a Telegu family in 1962 to Aarathi Krishna & Major General Vinod Krishna in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, Krishna received a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur in 1985. Arvind Krishna joined IBM in 1990. Krishna oversaw the development and growth of IBM’s new markets in blockchain, cloud, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. On April 06, 2020, he was appointed as CEO of IBM.
- Shiv Nadar, PSG College of Technology: Shiv Nadar was born into a Tamil Hindu family in Moolaipozhi village, Madras Presidency (presently Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu). He was an alumnus of PSG College of Technology. He was the founder and chairman of the multi-national company HCL Tech. With an estimated net worth of US$31 billion, Forbes magazine named him the third richest person in India in October 2021.
- Shantanu Narayen, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad: Born in 1963 into a Telegu Hindu family, graduated from Osmania University’s University College of Engineering in Hyderabad with a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication engineering. He worked at various companies, including Apple Inc. before joining Abode in 1998. He was appointed as CEO of Abode on December 01, 2007.
- Paras Agrawal, IIT, Bombay: Born in 1984 in Ajmer, Rajasthan. He was an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. He was the CEO of Twitter (now known as X) from 2021-2022, before taking over by Elon Musk after the completion of the acquisition. Agrawal established an artificial intelligence firm after Twitter intending to create software for large language models (LLMs).
- Sachin Bansal, IIT, Delhi: Co-founded Flipkart in 2007 along with Binny Bansal. He was the CEO of Flipkart for 11 years till the Walmart deal in 2018. He was an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi and earned a degree in civil engineering in the year 2005. In 2018, Ankit Agarwal and Sachin Bansal established Navi, an Indian financial services firm.
Conclusion
The success stories of IITs and other Indian institutions highlight the various ways that Indian tech workers can have an impact on the world. Leading multinational tech giants like Google and Microsoft to found global companies like Infosys and HCL Technology, Graduates from Indian institutes have demonstrated their value as visionaries and leaders in the field.
Their struggle and success stories are the inspiration for future generations who aspire to push the boundaries of technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. All these engineers have proven that anyone can become a tech titan and influence the industry’s future with the correct combination of education, willpower, and creativity.
Call to Action
Are you inspired by the amazing journey of IIT & Other Indian Institutes alumni success stories? Their stories are the inspiration for all of us. Hope you all will be as successful as them, but for that, you have to visit frequently to TechGiraffe. Bye-bye till the next blog.