Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences. Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, formerly Karunya University, is a private deemed university in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded by D. G. S. Dhinakaran and his son Paul Dhinakaran.

Accreditation 
Karunya University was accredited in 2022 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an "A++" grade.

History
Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences was established as an engineering college in 1986 with an initial intake of 180 students. The founders aimed to create an institution that combined technical education with strong moral values and a commitment to social service. The institution's emblem, featuring a human face, a gear wheel, and a lighted torch, symbolizes its dedication to the well-being of humanity, the importance of technology, and the enlightenment provided by knowledge.

Autonomy and Deemed University Status
In 1999, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences was granted autonomous status, allowing for greater flexibility in academic and administrative matters. The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India conferred the status of Deemed-to-be University in 2004 under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Recognition
In 2022, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) awarded the Karunya university an A++ grade. Additionally, Karunya achieved Category 1 status from the UGC, reflecting its standards in education and research.

Academic Programs and Research Initiatives
Karunya University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Food Processing, Agricultural Sciences, Management, Media, Forensic Science, Digital Sciences, and Commerce. The institution has a strong focus on research and community service, with major initiatives addressing issues in Water, Food, Healthcare, and Sustainable Energy. Research at Karunya is supported by funding from organizations such as the DRDO, Ministry of Defence, ISRO, DST, MoEF&CC, ICMR, and others.

Industry Collaborations and Global Engagement
Karunya University has established partnerships with companies like Samsung R&D, Biocon, Nestle, and Tata Consulting Engineers. The university also collaborates with international institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Australian Catholic University, and others, providing students with global exposure and research opportunities.

Centers of Excellence
The university houses several centers of excellence, including the Water Institute, Stem Cell Research Center, and centers dedicated to VLSI Design, IoT, and Cloud Computing. These centers promote innovation and hands-on learning in cutting-edge technologies.

Community Service and Value Education
Karunya University is committed to community service and value-based education. The institution engages in initiatives aimed at addressing societal problems, ensuring that its graduates are responsible citizens.

Location
Karunya University is located in Coimbatore district at Karunya Nagar - West Coimbatore near Siruvani Reservoir and Noyyal River , part of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. The campus is approximately 25 kilometers from city and spans over 720 acres. The region's natural environment supports a rich biodiversity.

Programs Offered
Karunya University provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple schools, including the School of Engineering and Technology, School of Computer Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, School of Science, Arts and Media, and the School of Management. Research programs leading to Ph.D. degrees are also offered in various fields.

Accreditation
Karunya University holds Category 1 status from the UGC and has been accredited with an "A++" grade by the NAAC. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, Karunya was placed in the 1201-1500 rank globally and 501-600 rank in Asia. The university also holds the QS Sustainability Ranking, securing the 246th rank in Environmental Sustainability, among other recognitions.

Rankings
The university was ranked 151-200 overall in India by the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) in 2024.

References

Engineering colleges in Coimbatore
Deemed universities in India
1986 establishments in Tamil Nadu
Universities and colleges established in 1986