IIT Madras Secures ₹110 Crore Endowment to Establish Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is set to make a significant stride in the field of technology education with a generous endowment of ₹110 Crore from distinguished alumnus Sunil Wadhwani. This endowment will pave the way for the establishment of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras.

An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between Sunil Wadhwani and Professor V Kamakoti, the director of IIT Madras. The signing ceremony, attended by faculty, students, alumni, and researchers, marked a momentous occasion for the institute and the future of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in India.

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of AI and Data Science in the country. With a mission to advise the government and policymakers on policy areas related to Data Science and AI, the school is poised to become a hub for interdisciplinary research and educational development.

Professor V Kamakoti, director of IIT Madras, emphasized the critical need for a dedicated school focusing on Data Science and AI, particularly in the era of Industry 4.0. The school will bring together faculty from various departments to collaborate on niche areas, including the important aspect of Responsible AI.

Expressing his gratitude, Sunil Wadhwani highlighted the close connection between AI and social impact, noting the need for a dedicated institution focusing on foundational and applied research in these domains. His endowment reflects a commitment to contributing to his alma mater and fostering advancements in Science and Technology in India.

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI is set to offer a range of courses, including a BTech program in AI and Data Analytics, MTech program in Data Science and AI, MS and PhD programs in Data Science and AI, Joint MSc in Data Science and AI in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, UK, an International Interdisciplinary Masters Program in Data Science, Interdisciplinary Dual Degree in Data Science, and a Web-enabled MTech in Industrial AI.

This development not only signifies a major leap in IIT Madras's educational offerings but also underscores the increasing global collaboration in the field of AI and Data Science. The school's potential to become a world-class institution is evident through its diverse course offerings and commitment to responsible and impactful technological advancements. The courses are set to commence admissions in July 2024, marking a new chapter in India's educational landscape.