Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced the establishment of a new university. Faculty of Digital Engineering, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learningwhich aims to enhance research and innovation in emerging technologies. This initiative aims to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of AI solutions across multiple sectors.
The institute said schools will function as follows: It is a research-led, industry-integrated innovation hub and operates under the Office of the Dean (Research and Development). Unlike traditional departments that focus primarily on degree programs, the new school will adopt a translational model that emphasizes collaboration between academia, industry, and government to develop practical AI applications.
Supported by up to $5 million in philanthropy from alumnus Dr. Jyoti Chatterjee, the initiative aims to create a multidisciplinary ecosystem that integrates digital engineering, next-generation computing, artificial intelligence, and deep neural systems.
Also read: Ministry of Education opens registration for Yuva Sangam Phase VI
The school will also collaborate with existing institutional facilities such as the Faculty of Medical Science and Technology and Dr Shayama Prasad Mookerjee Super Specialty Hospital to enable real-world testing and implementation of AI-driven healthcare solutions.
According to IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty, the new school represents a tectonic shift in the institutionalization of applied AI. The initiative aims to position IIT Kharagpur as a global hub for responsible and sovereign AI development, contributing to innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and smart systems.
