India’s First Edu City with Foreign Universities Coming Up in Navi Mumbai

In a landmark move to internationalize India’s education ecosystem, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the development of India’s first Edu City in Navi Mumbai, which will host offshore campuses of global universities. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 3,000 crore with the University of York (UK) and Western Australia University at the WAVES Summit 2025.

Why in News?

The announcement marks a significant step in integrating international education institutions into India’s infrastructure. The move comes in line with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which encourages foreign universities to set up campuses in the country. This initiative is also expected to transform Navi Mumbai into a global knowledge and entertainment hub.

Key Highlights

Two MoUs signed worth Rs 1,500 crore each with,

• University of York (UK)
• Western Australia University
• These universities will establish offshore campuses in Navi Mumbai.
• Part of CIDCO’s larger project to create India’s first Edu City.

Objectives and Aims

• Promote global-standard higher education within India.
• Position Navi Mumbai as a hub of international academia and research.
• Boost local economy and employment generation.
• Reduce the need for students to go abroad for quality education.

Film City and Entertainment Ecosystem

• MoU with Prime Focus for a new AI-powered Film City.
• Direct employment to 2,500 people, indirect to 10,000+.
• Investment of Rs 3,000 crore.
• Will serve as a global content and technology hub.
• Separate Rs 2,000 crore Film City project by Godrej in Panvel.

Other Announcements

• Additional MoUs expected after UGC approval for 3 more universities.
• Talks ongoing with five other international institutions.
• IICT (Indian Institute for Creative Technologies) to be set up with IIT Mumbai collaboration.
• Maharashtra’s AI policy to be announced soon.
• Proposal for a global theme park along the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway.

Static Facts

• CIDCO: City and Industrial Development Corporation, a nodal agency under the Maharashtra government.
• WAVES Summit: A strategic summit to boost innovation and economic collaboration.
• NEP 2020: National Education Policy encourages collaboration with foreign universities.