Digital University Kerala partners with UK institute to launch AI centre

Kochi: In an important development for artificial intelligence research, the Digital University Kerala has partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, affiliated with the University of Edinburgh, to establish a Centre for Artificial Intelligence at the Digital Science Park.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally exchanged during the International Conclave on Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) held in the city.

"The signing of the MoU marks a significant stride in advancing AI research and development between the two institutions, particularly with the advent of foundation models, AI hardware, robotics and GenAI," the state government said in a release.

Alex James, Dean of the Digital University, exchanged the MoU with Sethu Vijayakumar, Director for Robotics and AI at the Alan Turing Institute and Chair Professor at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, Principal Secretary (Industries) A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, Digital University Vice Chancellor Saji Gopinath, and Edinburgh University Director (South Asia) Athulya Aravind.

The proposed Centre for Artificial Intelligence aims to foster innovation and research in AI, leveraging the expertise of the Alan Turing Institute alongside the strengths of Digital University Kerala in AI chips and hardware.

"The Centre will focus on the latest advancements in AI and robotics, including generative AI, which is expected to drive AI adoption, offer unmatched scalability, and adapt to new scenarios and use cases."

"The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing AI research and development, as the Centre for AI at Digital Science Park will be a hub for cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth in the region," the release said.

While the University of Edinburgh is one of the world's leading research universities with a focus on research, teaching, and innovation, the Alan Turing Institute is the UK's national institute for data science and AI, collaborating with universities, businesses, and public institutions to advance the world-changing potential of data science and AI.

Digital University Kerala, a state government initiative, seeks to promote digital innovation and entrepreneurship by providing world-class education and research opportunities in digital technologies and their applications.

The two-day event, featuring 17 sessions in total, will conclude on Friday evening.

With PTI inputs