Famous IITians in US: Who They are and How They Made It Big

When you think of famous IITians in US, Indian Institute of Technology graduates who rose to top roles in American tech, finance, and science. Also known as IIT alumni in Silicon Valley, they’re not just engineers—they’re founders, CEOs, and innovators shaping the future of AI, cloud computing, and semiconductors. These aren’t just success stories—they’re proof that world-class engineering education from India can compete—and win—on the global stage.

Many of these names are household in the US tech scene. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, studied at IIT Kharagpur before moving to the US for his master’s. Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, graduated from IIT Delhi and later led one of the most valuable software companies in the world. Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems and a top Silicon Valley investor, is an IIT Madras alum who helped fund early startups that became giants like Google and Tesla. These aren’t exceptions—they’re part of a growing wave. Over 10,000 IIT graduates now work in the US, with thousands holding leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and cutting-edge startups.

The path isn’t easy. Getting into an IIT means beating hundreds of thousands of students in the JEE Advanced exam. But the real challenge comes after: adapting to US universities, mastering English in professional settings, and proving yourself in a culture that often values different kinds of leadership. What sets these IITians apart isn’t just their technical skills—it’s their grit, their ability to learn fast, and their willingness to take risks. Many started as interns at Google or Microsoft, worked late nights on side projects, and eventually launched their own companies. Some even returned to India to build startups, then came back to the US to scale them.

Why This Matters for Students and Professionals

If you’re an Indian student dreaming of working in the US, these stories aren’t just inspirational—they’re a roadmap. They show that your IIT degree opens doors, but it’s your initiative that keeps them open. Whether you’re aiming for a job at Apple, starting a fintech firm in Austin, or researching AI at MIT, the pattern is clear: excellence at home + relentless learning abroad = global impact. And you don’t need to be the top ranker to follow this path. Many of the most successful IITians in the US weren’t even top 10 in their batch—they just kept showing up, asking questions, and building things.

Below, you’ll find real stories, lessons, and insights from IITians who made it big in the US—from their first interview struggles to how they landed their dream roles. Whether you’re preparing for GRE, looking for internships, or just wondering if it’s possible, these posts give you the unfiltered truth—not theory, not fluff, just what worked.