Lucknow: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has received approval for a ₹20 crore project from the Government of India to establish a high-tech Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence on its campus, paving the way for advanced research, skill development and startup support in Uttar Pradesh.
The project has been approved under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Under the initiative, the university aims to develop advanced AI infrastructure and strengthen the state’s emerging technology ecosystem.
The project has been pursued under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Professor JP Pandey. It will be implemented over four years, with funding shared among the central government, the Uttar Pradesh government and the university’s industry partner, IBM.
According to the proposed funding structure, MeitY will contribute ₹8 crore, while UPDESCO, through the Uttar Pradesh government, will provide ₹8 crore. The university will mobilise the remaining ₹4 crore through its industry partner IBM.
The proposed Centre of Excellence will feature high-performance computer systems, advanced computing facilities and infrastructure for AI-based research and development. Spread across approximately 10,000 square feet, the centre will provide students, faculty members, researchers and entrepreneurs with access to modern technology and research resources.
AI Opportunities for Students Across Uttar Pradesh
The initiative is expected to benefit students across the state through AKTU’s extensive academic network. The university has more than 750 affiliated institutions and over three lakh students, creating a broad base for AI education, research and innovation.
Students from districts ranging from Saharanpur to Sonbhadra will have opportunities to develop skills in artificial intelligence and prepare for the changing demands of the technology sector.
The centre will organise workshops, hackathons and training programmes to help students acquire practical AI skills. It will also promote advanced research in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with a focus on developing solutions suited to Uttar Pradesh’s specific needs and socioeconomic challenges.
Support for Startups and Industry Collaboration
A major component of the project will be the development of AI-based startups. Entrepreneurs will receive assistance at different stages, from refining ideas and developing products to commercialisation.
The centre is also expected to provide startups with co-working facilities, mentorship, financial assistance and networking opportunities. Researchers and innovators will gain access to computing resources and opportunities to collaborate with industry partners to develop AI solutions with commercial potential.
The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between academia and industry while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging technologies.
By supporting advanced research, practical training and technology-driven enterprises, the centre is expected to contribute to employment generation and help young professionals acquire skills relevant to the evolving digital economy.
Dr Anuj Kumar Sharma, Associate Dean of Innovation at AKTU, said the proposed Centre of Excellence would provide a valuable platform for faculty members, students and startups to advance their work in artificial intelligence. He added that access to high-quality computer systems and modern infrastructure would support research and innovation across the university ecosystem.
The university plans to complete the necessary formalities at the earliest to move the project towards implementation. Once operational, the centre is expected to strengthen AKTU’s role in AI education and research and contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s ambitions in emerging technologies.
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