Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-Australian tech entrepreneur, has donated $100 million to the University of Sydney (USYD), to support a two-decade program aimed at increasing participation of young girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

According to the vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney, this donation is the largest single philanthropic contribution in the university's history and across New South Wales which will fund a comprehensive support system for female students from high school through university. The program, developed over two years in consultation with Khuda, will provide tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance, culminating in guaranteed scholarships and university placements for eligible graduates.

According to a recent report by The Guardian, the initiative will begin in 2027 with six partner high schools, providing academic support in mathematics, physics, and engineering for students in years seven to ten. In their final years of school, 1,200 students will have the opportunity to join the "Khuda Academy," receiving mentoring from University of Sydney students and financial bursaries to encourage STEM studies. Graduates of the academy will receive a guaranteed place at the university, along with scholarships covering tuition and accommodation.

Khuda selected the University of Sydney over other local universities, citing its outstanding academic and research reputation. He described the initiative as an effort to give back and create lasting change in the sector, as per the report.

Robin Khuda, who founded the data centre company AirTrunk back in 2015, launched his philanthropy foundation in 2020 to promote gender diversity in technology. His commitment to social impact follows the USD 16.1 billion (AUD 23 billion) acquisition of AirTrunk by US private equity firm Blackstone, after which he distributed $22 million in bonuses to employees.

Robin Khuda, founder and CEO of AirTrunk, moved to Australia at the age of 18 to study accounting at the University of Technology Sydney. In recognition of his achievements, he was named The Australian Financial Review's (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024.