TCG Crest University: Expanding Global Horizons with New Campuses

Kolkata's TCG Crest University, a research-oriented institution backed by The Chatterjee Group, has unveiled ambitious plans for global expansion. The university aims to establish bases in the UK, Japan, and the US, while simultaneously increasing its presence across southern, western, and northern regions of India.

Chancellor Purnendu Chatterjee emphasized the vision of transforming TCG Crest into a modern global research university. The goal is to bridge the gap between traditional universities and profit-driven corporate research institutions, fostering an environment for meaningful and expansive research.

"Our aim is to create a research university that thrives without the constraints of outdated systems or immediate commercial pressures," said Chatterjee, who also serves as the Chairman of TCG Group.

Founded in 2020, TCG Crest operates as a not-for-profit institution that prioritizes research. It began with PhD programs before adding master's courses, focusing on specialized research centers and a reverse education model that emphasizes advanced research over undergraduate teaching.

The university plans to launch operations in the UK by 2026, initially concentrating on artificial intelligence in healthcare due to its significant impact and potential for growth into other areas, such as quantum technologies.

TCG Group President Jeremy Ranjan Ghose reported that the university aims to increase its PhD scholars from around 150 to 1,000 over time. Current research focuses include affordable batteries, quantum computing, agriculture, AI, and healthcare.

This global expansion is set to enhance international collaboration and broaden the researcher pool, while Kolkata will remain the university's operational hub.

For its UK initiatives, TCG Crest is adopting a tripartite funding model: one-third from TCG's strategy group, one-third from philanthropists, and one-third from government-funded research organizations.

In India, TCG Crest plans to extend its reach beyond eastern regions, establishing centers in other areas as part of its growth strategy. Chatterjee noted that expansion would be organic and talent-driven, guided by the ability to attract senior and mid-career researchers.

The university currently encompasses five schools dedicated to interdisciplinary subjects, including mathematical and natural sciences, health, environmental sustainability, humanities, and social sciences.

Mentor Malabika Sarkar announced that specialized master's programs are set to begin in 2026, diverging from traditional MSc offerings to focus on fields like neuroscience. Future undergraduate programs will be restructured to meet evolving academic and research demands.