IIT Delhi Establishes Chair In AI After Noted Alumnus & Global Innovation Index Architect Soumitra Dutta

As a generous gesture towards their alma mater IIT Delhi, noted academicians Professor Soumitra Dutta and Dr Lourdes Casanova signed a memorandum of understanding for constituting “The Soumitra Dutta Chair in Artificial Intelligence”. The two alumni have also pledged a support of ₹1 crore for the purpose. An official statement from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, said that the Chair is envisaged to promote excellence and leadership in teaching, research and development in the field of artificial intelligence. It will also facilitate wider and deeper interaction between the industry, IIT-D faculty, students, and donors. Speaking about the MoU, Prof Dutta said, “I am very grateful to the faculty of IIT Delhi for the valuable education they provided to me and I am glad to contribute to the future academic excellence of IIT Delhi.” He is the Founding Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, New York. Prof Dutta is an authority on the impact of new technology on the business world with a special focus on strategies for driving growth and innovation in the digital economy. He is best known for being the architect (and main editor) of the Global Innovation Index, which now has become the global standard among innovation indices (co-published with Intellectual Property Organization-WIPO) and is referenced by many global leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Casanova said, “The Chair recognises the important role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of India and supports the aspirations of IIT Delhi for leadership in this important domain.” Dr Casanova is the Director of Emerging Markets Institute at Cornell University. Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said, “IIT Delhi has an excellent relationship with its alumni and values this relationship. Institute is thankful to our distinguished alumnus Prof Soumitra Dutta and Dr Lourdes Casanova for instituting this chair position at IIT Delhi”.