By: .thapar

Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) today announced the signing of an MOU and collaboration with NVIDIA to establish the Thapar School of Advanced AI & Data Science (TSAAI), with technical support from the NVIDIA AI University program. 

The memorandum of understanding between TIET and NVIDIA, signed in a ceremony attended by key representatives from both organizations, outlines plans for a comprehensive AI-focused curriculum. The new school, to be located on TIET’s sprawling 250-acre campus in Patiala, will offer a range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, elective courses, and professional development opportunities.

Dr. Padmakumar Nair, Director of TIET, emphasized the school’s potential impact on the Indian education landscape: “This collaboration will significantly contribute to advancing AI research and education in India. By establishing TSAAI, we’re not just creating a new academic department; we’re preparing students for the evolving technological landscape and positioning India as a hub for AI innovation.”

Infrastructure and Technology

At the heart of TSAAI’s infrastructure will be NVIDIA’s high-performance computing systems, including NVIDIA DGX systems equipped with H100 and A100 Tensor Core GPUs. This setup is expected to provide a staggering 227 petaflops of AI performance with nearly 8 terabytes of GPU memory, offering students and researchers access to cutting-edge technology for AI development and deployment.

In addition to the core computing infrastructure, TIET plans to deploy 500 Jetson Nano developer kits to support edge computing projects. This initiative aims to encourage startup development and practical application of AI technologies, aligning with TIET’s goal of transforming graduates into job creators rather than job seekers.

Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director of Asia South at NVIDIA, highlighted the broader implications of the partnership: “By integrating NVIDIA technologies, Thapar Institute will play a crucial role in developing AI expertise across India. This collaboration goes beyond equipping students with technical skills; it’s about fostering an ecosystem of innovation that can drive India’s position in the global AI landscape.”

Curriculum and Programs

The curriculum is set to launch in the 2024-2025 academic year, offering a range of AI-focused programs. These include:

• A new undergraduate engineering program in AI (B.E. in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
• AI elective courses across all programs
• A Master’s Program in AI, ML, and Data Science targeting working professionals
• Professional development courses for industry professionals seeking AI training

Notably, TIET aims to ensure all graduating students, regardless of their primary field of study, achieve a baseline of AI literacy within the next two to four years. This will be accomplished through curriculum adjustments and additional requirements, including a mandatory nine credits of AI training for all TIET students.

Research and Innovation

Beyond academics, TSAAI plans to spearhead several interdisciplinary research projects. These include the Thapar Digital Twin project and initiatives in food security, urban planning, healthcare, cybersecurity, and robotics. These projects are designed to demonstrate the practical applications of AI across various sectors and encourage innovative problem-solving among students and faculty.

Faculty Development and Industry Collaboration

The collaboration also encompasses faculty training through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) Ambassador Program. Selected faculty members will participate in the DLI Ambassador Program, enhancing their expertise and ability to deliver cutting-edge AI education.

In addition, NVIDIA plans to extend the benefits of its Inception program to qualifying TIET-incubated AI startups. This support could provide valuable resources and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs in the AI space, further strengthening the link between academic research and industry application.

Implications for India’s Tech Ecosystem

This partnership marks a significant step in TIET’s efforts to align its educational offerings with emerging technological trends and industry needs. As AI continues to transform various sectors of the economy, initiatives like TSAAI may play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and fostering innovation in India’s tech ecosystem.

The establishment of TSAAI comes at a time when India is pushing to establish itself as a global leader in AI and technology. By creating a dedicated institution for AI education and research, TIET and NVIDIA are contributing to the country’s broader goals of digital transformation and technological self-reliance.

As the first cohort of students prepares to enter TSAAI in 2024, the tech industry and education sector will be watching closely to see how this innovative model of industry-academia collaboration shapes the future of AI education in India.

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

Published by: Khy Talara