Feb 20: The Urban Land Institute India (ULI India), the India chapter of the global non-profit and the oldest, largest network of cross-disciplinary land use experts, has announced the launch of its Education portfolio – strategic initiatives designed to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and the future of urban development. Globally, ULI plays an important role in the education sector: bringing academia and industry together to produce strong graduates who are prepared to meet demands of the industry. For this, ULI has developed education focussed products like the ULI Hines Student Competition, Case Studies, Internships, Mentorship, UrbanPlan and on-demand learning courses on its Knowledge Finder.
As urban centers in India grapple with rapid population growth, environmental concerns, and the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure, ULI India recognizes the critical importance of preparing young leaders to tackle these challenges. In the Indian context, the planned educational initiatives seek to foster collaboration between leading educational institutions, industry professionals, and corporate partners, thereby empowering the next generation of urban leaders – urban planners, architects, designers and entrepreneurs, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable, inclusive cities across India and globally.
ULI India’s Education portfolio is spearheaded by Education Co-Chairs, Chhavi Lal, Principal at Perkins Eastman, and Manas Rath, Founder of LEAP Cities and Mumbai Donut CoLAB, and supported by the organisation’s National Executive Committee. Their leadership ensures that ULI India’s educational initiatives are aligned with global best practices and respond to India’s unique urban challenges.
The organisation is already in discussions with leading institutions in key urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These cities, which represent key hubs for urban growth in India, will serve as focal points for ULI India’s efforts to nurture the next generation of urban professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the ULI India leadership, Education Co-Chair, Manas Rath, said,
“The Education portfolio aims to create a network of professionals capable of addressing India’s urban challenges, from decarbonization and housing attainability to sustainable urban design”, with Chhavi Lal adding, “Through our initiatives, we aim to build capacity at all levels, from students to professionals to government, to strengthen local capability while drawing on global perspectives.”
In the build up to the ULI India Annual Conference 2026 on 26th Feb 2026 in Mumbai, ULI India will host a full-day education program, featuring UrbanPlan and a closed door Education Roundtable on 24th February 2026 with senior representatives from top institutions, including RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University, CEPT University, Sir JJ College of Architecture, NICMAR, and ULI members and practitioners in attendance. The conversation will focus on practical pathways to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, including internships, case-based learning, curriculum relevance, and improving student readiness for professional practice.
Manasvini Hariharan, Executive Director of ULI India, said,
“Education is the mission priority we have chosen to focus on because that is where the capability gap is most visible. India needs stronger platforms for knowledge exchange, practical training, and leadership development to meet the scale and complexity of its urban transition.”
The conference will also present a Projects Showcase featuring 12 transformative urban projects from across the country, with ULI’s Founding Partners and Annual Sponsors leading from the front, demonstrating the best practices in design, sustainability, and urban impact. These projects will serve as a significant resource for students, educators, and professionals, providing real-world insights into the future of India’s cities.
