The inauguration ceremony was led by Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru, and Nisha Gopinath, Vice President of Human Resources for IBM India and South Asia. The event took place in the presence of Shipra Sharma, CSR Leader for IBM India and South Asia; Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS, Chairman of KSDA; Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu, Additional Registrar of MAHE Bengaluru; Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru; and Dr. Dayanand, Dean of the School of Computing & Engineering. Senior leaders from IBM, faculty members, researchers, students, and industry representatives were also in attendance.
Powered by advanced GPU-enabled computing infrastructure, the AI Lab is built to support cutting-edge research in machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, healthcare, intelligent systems, and data analytics. The facility is equipped to simultaneously support 30 high-performance computing workloads, providing faculty members, researchers, innovators, and students with world-class computational resources to develop next-generation AI solutions.
Beyond enabling advanced research, the AI Lab is envisioned as a collaborative platform and hub that bridges the gap between academia and industry. The center will support industry-sponsored projects, interdisciplinary research, faculty development programs, student innovation, hackathons, internships, startup incubation, and collaborative technology development. These combined initiatives aim to create an ecosystem where ideas can rapidly evolve into impactful, real-world solutions.
A defining feature of this initiative is its commitment to inclusive AI education. Through IBM SkillsBuild, which is IBM’s free technology education program, MIT Bengaluru will establish an AI Learning Initiative. This program is set to offer AI awareness workshops, immersive bootcamps, hands-on training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, IBM SkillsBuild digital credentials, and mentorship from MIT Bengaluru faculty and student volunteers. By reaching students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and equip learners with industry-relevant skills for the AI-driven economy.
Priyank Kharge, Cabinet Minister for Home, IT & BT, e-Governance, Government of Karnataka, commended MIT Bengaluru and IBM on the launch, noting that the collaboration highlights the power of academia-industry partnerships in strengthening Karnataka's AI ecosystem. He emphasized that by providing access to advanced infrastructure and hands-on learning, the lab will empower students and researchers to accelerate innovation and develop AI-driven solutions that address societal challenges.
Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru, stated that Artificial Intelligence must become an enabler for everyone rather than a privileged few. He noted that the AI Lab reflects a commitment to combining world-class research with social impact by expanding access to education and preparing learners for an AI-driven future. Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India and South Asia, added that India stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey and that the collaboration reflects IBM's commitment to democratizing access to emerging technologies and enterprise-grade computing.
Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, remarked that the center would significantly strengthen the university's AI research ecosystem by providing the computing power needed to solve complex challenges. The MIG marks a significant milestone in Karnataka's higher education and innovation ecosystem. By combining High-Performance Computing infrastructure with large-scale AI skilling and community outreach, the center is expected to catalyze transformative research, entrepreneurship, and talent development, positioning MIT Bengaluru as a leading hub for responsible innovation.
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