Science Gallery Bengaluru receives a major donation from Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Rohini Nilekani, Kris Gopalakrishnan

Three Bengaluru-based businesspersons and philanthropists – Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Kris Gopalakrishnan and Rohini Nilekani – have together contributed Rs 51 crore (+6m Euro) to Science Gallery Bengaluru. All three are members of the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s (SGB) board of directors.

Science Gallery Bengaluru’s latest funding builds on foundational support by the Karnataka State Government and its three primary academic partners – the Indian Institute of Science, the National Centre for Biological Sciences and the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology. This donation establishes Science Gallery Bengaluru as a public-private partnership for public engagement with research.

This is the highest-ever one-time contribution made collectively to any Science Gallery in the international network.

‘I am thankful to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Rohini Nilekani and Kris Gopalakrishnan for their generous donation, their trust, but also their time over the last five years to establish Science Gallery Bengaluru. Even as we look forward to opening our doors to the public next year, I want to invite patrons, donors, and partnerships to further support us to build – in India – a world class model for research-based engagement,’ said Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru.

‘Science Gallery Bengaluru’s vision resonates well with my purpose of leveraging cutting-edge science to deliver affordable innovation,’ said Mazumdar-Shaw, founder, Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy, and chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics. ‘I believe it’ll be a vibrant and energising space for young adults which is critical for developing a scientific temper.’

Gopalakrishnan, Infosys co-founder and chairman, Axilor Ventures, urged young technology entrepreneurs to contribute to building Science Gallery Bengaluru as a hub where scholars across institutions speak to each other beyond disciplinary boundaries.

Rohini, chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and co-founder & director of EkStep Foundation, said SGB reflects the spirit of a favourite quote from Bertrand Russell that ‘Science may put limits on knowledge but it should not put limits on imagination’. ‘I hope the young peopleof the city and country will come here to set their imaginations free,” she said. “The gallery will help more citizens connect with Bengaluru’s proud legacy of scientific achievement. I’m proud to support this first-of-its-kind institution that creates a bridge between science and samaaj.’

Science Gallery Bengaluru looks forward to growing its network of supporters who will help buildthe gallery as a public institution for research-based engagement.