IIT Gandhinagar, IAIRO Join Hands to Strengthen India’s AI Research Ecosystem

AHMEDABAD : In a  major step towards strengthening India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advanced AI research, innovation, education, and talent development. The partnership aims to accelerate cutting-edge AI research while creating opportunities for students, researchers, and industry.

The collaboration will establish a strong framework for joint research, academic exchange, and technology development. Both institutions will work together on AI research projects, jointly apply for national and international research grants, and explore external funding to build advanced AI infrastructure.

The partnership also includes the development of short-term courses, certificate programmes, conferences, seminars, workshops, and specialised training programmes in artificial intelligence.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, said, “The Indian AI Research Organisation is a significant step towards enhancing India’s AI research and innovation ecosystem. Since IAIRO is located in GIFT City, adjacent to IIT Gandhinagar, this collaboration is a natural opportunity to build on each other’s strengths. AI is already transforming healthcare, life sciences, drug discovery, and many other sectors. Together, we will combine our expertise in research, talent development, and innovation to deliver meaningful outcomes for India’s growing AI capabilities.”

The MoU also promotes academic exchange. IITGN faculty members and researchers will conduct lectures and training programmes for IAIRO scientists and engineers, while IAIRO experts will participate in teaching, mentoring, and research activities at IITGN. The agreement further provides opportunities for joint supervision of PhD scholars, research internships, adjunct faculty appointments, and shared use of research infrastructure and computational facilities.

Prof. Vimal Mishra, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Gandhinagar, said, “This partnership brings together complementary expertise and research strengths to advance AI research, foster innovation, nurture talent, and develop technologies that contribute to national priorities. We aim to create opportunities for impactful research and advanced AI education.”

Highlighting the broader vision, Dr. Amit Sheth, Founding Director and CEO of IAIRO, said, “India’s AI ambitions will be realised through strong partnerships that connect world-class research with real-world innovation. As we continue building the Gujarat AI Valley ecosystem, this collaboration will help nurture talent, enable breakthrough research, and strengthen India’s position as a global AI innovation hub.”

Echoing the sentiment, Prof. Sanjay Chaudhary, Collaborations & Operations Lead at IAIRO, said the agreement provides a practical framework for sustained collaboration through joint research, faculty exchange, student engagement, specialised AI programmes, and shared research facilities.