OpenAI has unveiled a landmark education initiative in India, underscoring its growing commitment to the region. The company announced a partnership with IIT Madras, backed by $500,000 in funding, to conduct long-term research on how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and improve learning outcomes, drawing from insights in cognitive neuroscience. Findings from this collaboration will be shared openly to inform future product innovation.
At the heart of this strategy is the appointment of Raghav Gupta as Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific. Gupta, who previously served as Managing Director for Coursera in the region, brings over two decades of experience across education, technology, consulting, and entrepreneurship. His career includes leadership roles at Technopak Advisors, Booz & Company (Strategy&), and BlaBlaCar, as well as founding Futurense, an AI-skilling company focused on preparing the Indian workforce for the future.
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Gupta’s academic background is equally diverse. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and a postgraduate degree in Fashion Business Management from NIFT, New Delhi. He later pursued an MBA at INSEAD, where he was awarded the Syngenta Scholarship for Emerging Country Leadership, alongside further studies at Brown University and Emory University. This multidisciplinary foundation, combining technical expertise, business strategy, and global perspective, underpins his leadership approach.
“I am excited to build on India’s vibrant education ecosystem and to work with teachers, students and policymakers in shaping how AI can transform learning,” Gupta said.
OpenAI plans to distribute nearly half a million ChatGPT licences over the next six months, alongside training programmes for educators and students. These will be delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and ARISE member schools. Gupta will oversee these initiatives, ensuring AI tools become more widely accessible across classrooms and research institutions.
India already represents OpenAI’s largest student market worldwide, with millions of learners actively using ChatGPT. The company is also preparing to open its first India office in New Delhi later this year, with founder Sam Altman expected to visit the country next month.
By placing Gupta at the helm, OpenAI signals its ambition not only to deepen engagement in India but also to extend its educational mission across the wider Asia Pacific region, redefining classroom learning, promoting cutting-edge research, and positioning India as a global leader in AI-powered education.
Insights from agencies
