New Delhi, 04 August, 2026.

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India’s artificial intelligence research ecosystem through collaborative efforts across research, innovation, education and talent development. Through this partnership, the two institutions aim to bridge academia and applied AI research, creating opportunities for collaborative innovation, knowledge exchange and the development of future-ready AI capabilities aligned with national priorities.

As part of the collaboration, BITS Pilani and IAIRO will undertake joint research programmes in emerging areas of artificial intelligence, pursue research grants from national and international funding agencies, and explore opportunities to establish advanced AI research infrastructure through external funding support. The institutions will also collaborate on executive education programmes, specialised certification courses, workshops, conferences and technical seminars aimed at strengthening AI capabilities across academia and industry.

This collaboration will help in promoting academic interaction through the involvement of professors and researchers from BITS Pilani who can deliver lectures and mentoring to the scientists and engineers at IAIRO. Similarly, the professionals from IAIRO will be involved in guest lectures, mentoring programmes and other academic activities at BITS Pilani.

This two-way exchange is expected to strengthen research capabilities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the translation of research into real-world AI applications.

Prof. V. RamgopalRoa, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilanisaid,“As artificial intelligence has created a transformative impact across almost every sector, higher education institutions have a critical role in nurturing the next generation of AI talent. This collaboration with IAIRO reflects our commitment to strengthening India's AI ecosystem through high-impact research, innovation, and meaningful industry-academia dialogue. By combining our academic strengths with IAIRO's applied research expertise, we are confident of creating new opportunities for collaborative innovation and developing future-ready talent that addresses national priorities and creates global impact.”

Dr. Amit Sheth, Founding Director and CEO, Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) said, "India's leadership in artificial intelligence will depend not only on breakthrough technologies but also on how effectively we bring together academia, research institutions and industry to solve complex real-world problems. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger AI research and

innovation ecosystem for India. By combining academic excellence with applied research, we hope to accelerate talent development, foster innovation and create AI solutions that are scientifically rigorous, socially responsible and aligned with India's long-term technological aspirations."

Prof Sanjay Chaudhary, Collaborations & Operations Lead, Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO), highlighted that, “Sustained collaboration between academia and research institutions is the foundation of meaningful AI innovation. Our association with BITS Pilani provides a strong foundation for collaborative research, knowledge sharing and talent development. We aim to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, encourages interdisciplinary research and speeds up the development of AI solutions that address national priorities and global challenges by bringing together complementary expertise, research infrastructure and academic excellence”

The MoU also provides the framework for the organisation of joint conferences, research symposiums, science exhibitions, workshops and outreach programmes, while facilitating knowledge exchange through shared academic resources and research facilities. The agreement creates a long term partnership on research excellence, innovation, education and capacity building in artificial intelligence on research excellence, innovation, education and capacity building in artificial intelligence.