IIT Madras is poised to make a significant advancement in technology education, thanks to a generous endowment of Rs 110 Crore from distinguished alumnus Sunil Wadhwani. This substantial contribution will lead to the establishment of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras. Recently, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Sunil Wadhwani and Professor V Kamakoti, the director of IIT Madras. The signing ceremony, attended by faculty, students, alumni, and researchers, marked a momentous occasion for the institute and the future of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in India.

The objective of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI is to have a crucial impact on the AI and Data Science domain in the nation. Positioned with the goal of providing guidance to the government and policymakers regarding policy matters concerning Data Science and AI, the school is set to evolve into a central hub for interdisciplinary research and educational advancement.

Professor V Kamakoti, director of IIT Madras, emphasized the critical need for a dedicated school focusing on Data Science and AI, particularly in the era of Industry 4.0. The school will bring together faculty from various departments to collaborate on niche areas, including the important aspect of Responsible AI. In expressing his appreciation, Sunil Wadhwani emphasized the intrinsic link between AI and its social impact, underscoring the necessity for a specialized institution dedicated to foundational and applied research in these fields. His generous endowment signifies a dedication to giving back to his alma mater and catalyzing progress in Science and Technology within India.

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI is set to offer a range of courses, including a BTech program in AI and Data Analytics, MTech program in Data Science and AI, MS and PhD programs in Data Science and AI, Joint MSc in Data Science and AI in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, UK, an International Interdisciplinary Masters Program in Data Science, Interdisciplinary Dual Degree in Data Science, and a Web-enabled MTech in Industrial AI.

This development not only signifies a major leap in IIT Madras's educational offerings but also underscores the increasing global collaboration in the field of AI and Data Science. The school's potential to become a world-class institution is evident through its diverse course offerings and commitment to responsible and impactful technological advancements. The courses are set to commence admissions in July 2024, marking a new chapter in India's educational landscape.