Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has inaugurated the IBM–MIT AI Lab – MAHE Intelligence GPU (MIG) at its Bengaluru campus in collaboration with IBM.
The new AI Lab is designed to expand access to advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing resources, research infrastructure, and digital skilling opportunities for students, researchers, and institutions across India.
AI Lab Inaugurated at MIT Bengaluru
The facility was inaugurated by Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, and Nisha Gopinath, Vice President, Human Resources, IBM India and South Asia.
The inauguration was attended by senior representatives from IBM and MAHE, including Shipra Sharma, CSR Leader, IBM India and South Asia, Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS, Chairman, KSDA, Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, and Dr. Dayanand, Dean, School of Computing & Engineering, along with faculty members, researchers, students, and industry representatives.
GPU Infrastructure to Support Advanced AI Research
Powered by GPU-enabled High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, the AI Lab will support research across areas including machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, healthcare, intelligent systems, and data analytics.
The facility can simultaneously support 30 high-performance computing workloads, providing students, researchers, faculty members, and innovators with access to advanced computational resources for developing AI-based solutions.
AI Lab to Connect Academia and Industry
Beyond research, MIG has been designed as a collaborative platform connecting academia and industry. The facility will support industry-sponsored projects, interdisciplinary research, faculty development programmes, student innovation initiatives, hackathons, internships, startup incubation, and collaborative technology development.
The initiative is intended to create an ecosystem where academic research and ideas can progress towards practical technology solutions.
IBM SkillsBuild to Support AI Education
A key component of the initiative is its focus on expanding access to AI education. Through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free technology education programme, MIT Bengaluru will establish an AI Learning Initiative.
The programme will offer AI awareness workshops, immersive bootcamps, hands-on training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, IBM SkillsBuild digital credentials, mentorship from MIT Bengaluru faculty and student volunteers, and access to advanced computing infrastructure.
The initiative will also reach students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions, with the aim of improving access to industry-relevant AI skills and helping bridge the digital divide.
Focus on AI Research, Innovation and Talent Development
The launch of MIG marks a significant development for Karnataka’s higher education and innovation ecosystem. By combining HPC infrastructure with AI skilling, industry collaboration, and community outreach, MIT Bengaluru aims to strengthen research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development in Artificial Intelligence.
As AI adoption continues to expand across industries, the new facility is positioned to support MIT Bengaluru’s efforts to become a hub for AI research, skills development, and responsible technology innovation.
Leadership Comments
“I commend MIT, BLRU and IBM on launching the IBM-MIT, AI Lab and their shared commitment to advancing AI education and nurturing future-ready talent. This collaboration highlights the power of academia-industry partnerships in strengthening Karnataka’s AI ecosystem. By providing access to advanced AI infrastructure, hands-on learning, and resources, the lab will empower students and researchers to accelerate innovation and develop AI-driven solutions that address societal challenges and contribute to inclusive growth,” said Priyank Kharge, Cabinet Minister for Home, IT & BT, e-Governance, Government of Karnataka.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “Artificial Intelligence must become an enabler for everyone, not just a privileged few. AI Lab reflects our commitment to combining world-class research with social impact by expanding access to AI education, fostering innovation and preparing learners for an AI-driven future. Our collaboration with IBM is a significant step towards building an inclusive and globally competitive AI ecosystem.”
Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India and South Asia said, “India stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey, with the talent, innovation ecosystem, and digital foundations to lead the next wave of global AI innovation. Realising this potential requires stronger collaboration between talent, research, advanced computing, and industry. Our collaboration with MIT BLRU reflects IBM’s commitment to democratizing access to emerging technologies, enterprise-grade computing, and digital skills, empowering students and researchers to advance AI innovation. Together, we are strengthening India’s AI research ecosystem and driving innovations that create meaningful impact for India and the world,”
Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, said the Centre would significantly strengthen the University’s AI research ecosystem. “MIG provides our students and researchers with the computing power needed to solve complex challenges and accelerate AI innovation. By integrating advanced infrastructure with industry collaboration, we are creating an ecosystem that nurtures research excellence, hands-on learning and industry-ready talent.”
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