By: .thapar

In a landmark move set to transform the landscape of technology education in India, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) has announced the establishment of the Thapar School of Advanced AI & Data Science (TSAAI). This innovative initiative, developed in partnership with NVIDIA, aims to address the burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence expertise in the country and cultivate a new generation of AI professionals.

The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by key figures from both organizations. Dr. Padmakumar Nair, Director of TIET, and Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director of Asia South at NVIDIA, were present to commemorate this significant milestone in AI education.

The establishment of TSAAI is supported by the NVIDIA AI University program, a global initiative designed to accelerate AI education and research. This program provides educational institutions with access to NVIDIA’s advanced technologies, curriculum resources, and industry expertise.

Dr. Nair emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “By partnering with NVIDIA through their AI University program, we’re not merely creating a new department. We’re constructing a hub for AI innovation that will equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the AI-driven future.”

Cutting-Edge Infrastructure

At the core of TSAAI’s capabilities is its advanced AI infrastructure, leveraging NVIDIA DGX systems with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs and NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPUs. This high-performance computing setup, combined with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, will provide students and researchers with access to industry-leading tools for AI development and deployment.

The dedicated data center at TSAAI will offer an impressive 227 petaflops of AI performance with nearly 8 terabytes of GPU memory. This substantial computing power will enable complex AI research, the development of sophisticated algorithms, and the exploration of emerging areas in machine learning and data science.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Programs

TSAAI’s academic offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of students and professionals, from undergraduates to industry veterans seeking to enhance their AI skills. The school will introduce several new programs, including:

• A Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• AI elective courses across all TIET programs.
• A Master’s Program in AI, ML, and Data Science for working professionals.
• Professional development courses in AI for industry practitioners.

A unique aspect of TSAAI’s approach is its commitment to ensuring AI literacy across all TIET graduates. Regardless of their primary field of study, all students will receive a minimum of nine credits in AI training, reflecting the institute’s recognition of AI’s growing importance across various sectors.

Faculty Development through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute

Recognizing the critical role of educators in shaping the next generation of AI professionals, TSAAI will participate in the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) Ambassador Program. This initiative will provide comprehensive training to selected faculty members, enhancing their expertise in AI and enabling them to deliver cutting-edge instruction to students.

Dr. Nair explained the importance of this program: “The DLI Ambassador Program will ensure our faculty are at the forefront of AI education. This knowledge transfer from industry to academia is crucial for maintaining the relevance and quality of our AI curriculum.”

To support the growth of AI-driven startups, NVIDIA plans to extend the benefits of its Inception program to qualifying AI startups incubated at TIET. This support could prove invaluable for budding entrepreneurs, offering resources, mentorship, and potential industry connections to help transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.

Research and Innovation Focus

Beyond classroom education, TSAAI aims to become a center for advanced AI research and innovation. The school has outlined plans for several interdisciplinary projects that showcase the practical applications of AI across various domains. These include:

• The Thapar Digital Twin project, creating a virtual replica of the institute for simulation and optimization.
• AI applications in food security, enhancing agricultural productivity and supply chain management.
• Urban planning initiatives leveraging AI for smarter, more sustainable city development.
• Healthcare projects focusing on AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine.
• Cybersecurity research to develop AI-powered threat detection and prevention systems.
• Robotics projects combining AI with mechanical engineering for advanced automation solutions.

Industry Partnerships and Practical Experience

TSAAI recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. The school plans to establish partnerships with leading technology companies and startups, providing students with internship opportunities and exposure to real-world AI projects.

Regular hackathons, AI challenges, and industry-sponsored projects will be organized to encourage the practical application of AI skills. These initiatives aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, preparing them for careers in AI or for launching their own AI-driven startups.

Global Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

TSAAI aims to position itself as a global player in AI education and research. The school plans to establish collaborations with international universities and research institutions, facilitating knowledge exchange and joint research projects. This global outlook will expose students to diverse perspectives and approaches in AI, preparing them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

Recognizing the ethical implications of AI development and deployment, TSAAI will incorporate courses on AI ethics, responsible AI development, and the societal impact of AI into its curriculum. This focus on ethical considerations aims to produce AI professionals who are not only technically proficient but also mindful of the broader implications of their work.

Impact on India’s AI Ecosystem

The establishment of TSAAI comes at a crucial time for India’s technology sector. As the country seeks to establish itself as a global leader in AI and digital innovation, initiatives like this play a vital role in building the necessary talent pool and research capabilities.

Vishal Dhupar of NVIDIA highlighted the potential impact: “By integrating NVIDIA technologies and participating in our AI University program, Thapar Institute is positioning itself at the forefront of AI education in India. This collaboration has the potential to significantly impact the country’s AI ecosystem, fostering innovation and producing skilled professionals who can drive India’s technological advancement on the global stage.”

Timeline and Future Outlook

TSAAI is set to welcome its first cohort of students in the 2024-2025 academic year. The institute has set an ambitious goal of ensuring that within 2-4 years, every TIET graduate will be “AI literate,” reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for an AI-driven future.

As TSAAI prepares to open its doors, it represents a significant step forward in AI education in India. The collaboration between TIET and NVIDIA, leveraging programs like the NVIDIA AI University program, the DLI Ambassador Program, and the Inception program, creates a unique ecosystem for AI learning and innovation.

The success of this ambitious project could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI education and innovation in India, potentially reshaping the country’s role in the global technology landscape. As the first students begin their journey at TSAAI, they will be at the forefront of a new era in AI education, poised to make significant contributions to India’s technological advancement and global competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence.

The establishment of TSAAI marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards becoming a global AI powerhouse. By combining world-class infrastructure, industry partnerships, and a forward-thinking curriculum, TIET and NVIDIA are laying the foundation for a new generation of AI innovators who will shape the future of technology in India and beyond.

For more information, please visit https://www.thapar.edu/

 

Published by: Khy Talara