Prof SR Mahadeva Prasanna

Over the past year, Prof SR Mahadeva Prasanna has expanded IIIT Dharwad's focus on AI and emerging technologies, positioning the institute as a hub for advanced research beyond India's metropolitan centres. His efforts have led the Karnataka government to approve an ₹18 crore Centre of Excellence in Quantum AI and Computing at IIIT Dharwad, the first such facility outside Bengaluru. The centre will support research across quantum computing, AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare while training students and professionals through specialised academic programmes.

A long-time researcher in speech processing and artificial intelligence, Prof Prasanna has consistently advocated building high-quality AI research ecosystems in tier-2 cities. He believes India's next generation of AI talent will emerge from stronger academia-industry collaboration and sustained investment in deeptech research, enabling institutions beyond the traditional IITs to contribute meaningfully to the country's AI ambitions.