Karunya University is the fulfilment of the Vision of its Founders, Late Dr. D G S Dhinakaran and Dr Paul Dhinakaran, the present Chancellor. Established in 1986 as an Engineering College, it was granted an autonomous status in 2000 and declared a Deemed-to-be University by the University Grants Commission (UGC), in 2004. The University accredited by NAAC, offers a wide array of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes in various branches of engineering, biotechnology, food processing and agricultural sciences. In addition to these Programmes, MBA, Liberal arts & science and commerce are also offered. Situated in a 720 acre campus amidst the sylvan surroundings of Siruvani bio-reserve and the Western Ghats, the campus offers a perfect ambience for academic and research development and spiritual enrichment. From a humble beginning of 180 students, the University has grown in strength to 8491 students and 452 faculty representing 18 academic departments.

Karunya University has launched the School of Agriculture and Biosciences which offers Programmes in Agriculture, Food and Biotechnology from the academic year 2017-18. The aim of the School is to conduct research in agriculture and horticulture, as well as to provide the highest level of education with a focus on livelihood and societal needs. The University has collaborations with reputed institutions in Israel, such as Technion of Haifa, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University of Beer-Sheva and the Blastein Institutes of Desert Research of Israel . A Model Agriculture Station is being established in the campus to execute academic, research, extension activities and exhibit models. The Agriculture Programmes are designed to develop skills and explore career areas in agriculture. The instructional programme includes topics in plant, animal and food sciences, horticulture and landscaping, soil, water and environment.