Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday announced the launch of three Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centres of Excellence (CoEs) aimed at advancing research and innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities.
The initiative, with a total financial outlay of ₹990 crore, will be implemented over five years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. The AI-CoEs will be established through collaborations between top academic institutions, industry partners, and startups, as part of the government’s vision to “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India.”
AIIMS and IIT Delhi will lead the healthcare CoE, IIT Ropar will oversee agriculture-related research, and IIT Kanpur will spearhead innovations in sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the launch, Pradhan expressed optimism that these centres would emerge as global leaders in developing AI solutions for public good. “With the talent and zeal that Bharat possesses, these CoEs will shape global public policy and offer solutions to the world,” he said.
He also praised the apex committee, co-chaired by Sridhar Vembu, for their efforts in implementing the project and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of positioning India as a global hub for AI. Pradhan highlighted that these CoEs would drive the country’s startup ecosystem, creating jobs, wealth, and innovative solutions for critical challenges.
K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, emphasized that these centres are designed to benefit the entire nation, not just the institutions leading them. He stressed the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaborative approaches to address real-world challenges.
Sridhar Vembu, speaking at the event, underlined how these CoEs would contribute to both rural and urban development. “These centres will nurture talent, generate opportunities, and create companies that will serve the country for decades to come,” he said.
Saumya Gupta, Joint Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, provided insights into the initiative’s genesis and implementation. She also highlighted how the CoEs align with the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” and contribute to the national AI ecosystem.
The unveiling ceremony featured a short film on the theme “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India,” showcasing the broader goals of the initiative.
The AI-CoEs will focus on developing cutting-edge applications, fostering interdisciplinary research, and creating scalable solutions in their respective fields. The government aims to galvanize an effective AI ecosystem through these centres and nurture high-quality human resources to lead in these critical sectors.
(Inputs from ANI)