DPU has provided support to the newly-formed Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in the development of an integrated curriculum and related educational initiatives, including identifying research capacity and developing an MPhil/PhD programme. Partners and advisors include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Ove Arup, and the University of Cape Town. The IIHS represents a significant and ambitious attempt at addressing two key challenges of contemporary India: transforming urban areas and regions over the next two generations, and responding to the growing demand for human settlements practitioners. The curriculum bridges design, technology, management, social science and governance disciplines through a close engagement with praxis, practitioners and real-life situations. From its new base in Bangalore, IIHS is expected to reach out to over 1,000 residential students, 25,000 distance learners and 10,000 participants in continuing education programmes. DPU's contribution is funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.