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 the University of Western Australia at the WAVES Summit 2025.

Key Highlights:

• The University of York and the University of Western Australia have each pledged ?1,500 crore to establish their campuses in Navi Mumbai. 
• The University of York's campus is expected to commence operations in the 2026/27 academic year, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in computer science with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, business, economics, and creative industries. 
• The Edu City initiative aligns with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages foreign universities to set up campuses in the country. 
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• Discussions are underway with three additional universities, pending University Grants Commission (UGC) approval, and preliminary talks have been held with five other international institutions. 
• The Edu City will be part of the larger "Third Mumbai" project, officially named Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town, aimed at transforming Navi Mumbai into a global knowledge and entertainment hub. 

This initiative is expected to provide Indian students with access to world-class higher education domestically, reduce the need to study abroad, and boost the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development.