Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers are set to address some of the most fundamental challenges in computing, spanning cryptography, Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies through a major new research initiative focused on deep, theory-driven innovation with real-world impact.

The initiative will advance the mathematical foundations of computation while tackling critical open problems in areas such as data security, computational complexity, algorithms, and privacy in AI. By combining rigorous theoretical inquiry with practical applications, the effort aims to enable breakthroughs in secure digital infrastructure, resilient systems, and trustworthy AI.

This research will be taken up by Arvind Raghunathan Center for Theoretical Computer Science, which was recently launched with the support of a ₹23 crore endowment from IIT Madras alumnus Mr. Arvind Raghunathan (1984/BT/EE).

Thanking Mr. Arvind Raghunathan for his contribution, Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, “It is because of the support of alumni such as Arvind that we are able to endow such centers that will not only conduct cutting edge work but also enhance our impact both nationally and globally.”

By bridging theory and practice, this initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s capabilities in next-generation technologies, from secure digital systems to quantum computing, while establishing IIT Madras as a global centre of excellence in theoretical computer science.

Looking forward to great outcomes from this Centre, Mr. Arvind Raghunathan, Founder of Roc360 and Founder & CEO of House IQ, said, “My transformative five years at IIT Madras fostered an unrelenting curiosity in me, and I hope that ARtCS will provide future generations with access to world-class professors and research in their intellectual pursuits in theoretical subjects”

A key outcome of this effort is the expansion of research beyond traditional cybersecurity into broader domains of theoretical computer science and applied mathematics. This includes foundational work in cryptographic systems, quantum computing, optimisation, and AI/ML theory.

The research will directly inform emerging applications such as secure AI systems, blockchain technologies, quantum-safe cryptography, and distributed systems that enable digital trust at scale.

Speaking about the Centre, its Coordinator Prof. Shweta Agrawal, Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman Faculty Fellow, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “We are very happy and excited about the launch of the Arvind Raghunathan Center for Theoretical Computer Science. Via this center, we aim to create an environment where core scientific questions are pursued with passion and curiosity, bringing together leading researchers across related disciplines and from around the world. Our hope is that via this center, we will build a community that makes progress on questions of global importance, while nurturing the outstanding mathematical talent in the local Indian ecosystem.”

The initiative will also serve as a global platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Through international partnerships, workshops, and thematic programmes, it aims to foster a vibrant research ecosystem and position IIT Madras among leading global institutions in foundational computer science.

The researchers will work on developing new mathematical structures for next-generation cryptography, advancing quantum algorithms and their applications in secure communications, and designing innovative distributed algorithms to strengthen digital trust. The Centre also aims to build a strong global research presence by publishing in leading international venues and attracting top talent from India and abroad.

With clearly defined milestones for the 2025–30 period, the initiative aims to publish at least 10 research papers annually in reputed international conferences and journals, mentor at least 10 research scholars each year, and produce up to 8 PhDs annually in the later phase. It will also host at least four major national and international academic events every year while building a strong network of global collaborators.