By: .thapar

In a move set to reshape the landscape of technology education in India, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with NVIDIA to establish the Thapar School of Advanced AI & Data Science (TSAAI). This initiative, supported by the NVIDIA AI University program, aims to address the growing demand for artificial intelligence expertise in India and foster innovation in this rapidly evolving field.

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 among the dignitaries present to mark this significant development in AI education.

Bridging the AI Skills Gap

India’s technology sector has been experiencing exponential growth, with artificial intelligence playing an increasingly crucial role across various industries. However, the country faces a significant shortage of skilled AI professionals, a gap that TSAAI aims to bridge.

“The establishment of TSAAI represents a pivotal moment in our institution’s history,” said Dr. Nair. “By leveraging NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technology and expertise, we’re not just creating a new academic department; we’re building a hub for AI innovation that will prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s technology landscape.”

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

Central to TSAAI’s mission is the implementation of advanced AI infrastructure leveraging NVIDIA DGX systems with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs and NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPUs. This high-performance computing setup, coupled with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, will provide students and researchers with access to cutting-edge 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 advanced algorithms, and the exploration of emerging areas in machine learning and data science.

Complementing the core infrastructure, TIET is also investing in edge computing capabilities. The institute plans to deploy 500 Jetson Nano developer kits, creating a robust ecosystem for startup incubation and practical AI application development.

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 and Industry Collaboration

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.

Moreover, 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, which aims to create a virtual replica of the institute for simulation and optimization purposes
• AI applications in food security, exploring how machine learning can enhance agricultural productivity and supply chain management
• Urban planning initiatives that leverage 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 that combine AI with mechanical engineering for advanced automation solutions

These research initiatives are designed not only to push the boundaries of AI technology but also to provide students with hands-on experience in applying AI to real-world challenges.

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.

Vishal Dhupar of NVIDIA emphasized the broader implications of this partnership: “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.”

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.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the launch of TSAAI represents a significant step forward for AI education in India, it also comes with its share of challenges. Ensuring that the curriculum remains current in the rapidly evolving field of AI, attracting and retaining top faculty, and maintaining strong industry connections will be ongoing priorities for the school.

However, the opportunities presented by this initiative are substantial. TSAAI has the potential to become a model for industry-academia collaboration in AI education, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across India and beyond. The school’s focus on practical application and entrepreneurship could also contribute to India’s startup ecosystem, fostering the development of AI-driven solutions to local and global challenges.

As TSAAI prepares to open its doors, the tech industry and education sector will be watching closely. 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.

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

Published by: Khy Talara