Over the years, many tech giants like Google, Microsoft, IBM, etc. have set up their research centres and AI labs in India. In line with the government’s Digital India push, the Software Technology Parks of India, an organisation established by MeitY, has also announced a plan to create multiple CoEs across the country to promote artificial intelligence.
The latest developments highlight how India has proved advantageous for many tech companies to build expertise in new-age technologies like artificial intelligence. The thriving Indian ecosystem and the large pool of talent available make India a preferable destination for establishing AI labs and research centres.
Here, we talk about the top eight AI labs in India.
Also Read: What An Oversight Body Could Mean For The Growth Of AI In India?
Research Labs By Wipro GE Healthcare & IISc
September, last year, Wipro GE Healthcare partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to set up an AI lab to work on healthcare diagnostics, deep learning technology, machine learning and AI systems. With 50 students and three faculty members of IISc, the research lab aims to work on digital interfaces to develop sophisticated diagnostic and medical image reconstruction techniques. The lab is designed to work closely with clinicians and healthcare providers to apply deep learning models and integrate computational models to improve medical imaging and patient outcomes. The facility has been established at the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS). During COVID pandemic, the lab worked on lightweight deep learning models that can be used in lung ultrasound and CT images.
SiMa.ai’s Design Centre
A California-based machine learning company, SiMa.ai, has also announced establishing a design centre in Bengaluru. The new design centre will open up new job opportunities in the region. The company is recognised for high-performance computing at the lowest power for embedded edge applications. The AI lab will help the company scale the widespread adoption across critical embedded AI-based edge applications, such as robotics, medical, and autonomous vehicles.
DRDO Young Scientist Labs
To shape the pattern of R&D in the field of AI in the country, last year, the government of India announced setting up of five DRDO young scientists labs focusing on research related to AI, quantum technologies and cognitive technologies. Located in five cities, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, these AI labs are designed to develop innovations and make India self-reliant in artificial intelligence. While DRDO already has 52 labs in the country working on the various domains, the new labs are established to gain a technological edge amid these critical times.
Accenture Innovation Lab
Last year, Accenture opened up an AI innovation hub in Hyderabad. With more than 2,000 professionals, this AI lab will work towards innovating solutions for security, automation and blockchain domains. The AI lab is 300,000 square feet and houses Accenture’s first Nano Lab in the Asia-Pacific region. Along with providing various use cases of artificial intelligence and extended reality, the Nano lab also allows Accenture customers to connect with global researchers through immersive sessions and workshops.
Intel’s AI Research Center
In October 2020, Intel announced plans to set up a research centre for artificial intelligence in partnership with IIT Hyderabad. The AI lab has been established to use AI to solve the country’s critical challenges, including the struggles in healthcare and smart mobility. The AI lab has been exclusively designed to act as a catalyst to push India’s position in the AI race and attract global talent for high impact research. Further, the AI lab will also adequately inform the users and businesses about the technology and make them aware about the biases involved in the same.
IIT Kharagpur Innovation Hub
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has also set up a technological hub to work on advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a grant of ₹170 crores, this AI lab is set up to undertake research and training projects for industrial production. The institute has been working towards promoting the fundamental research around artificial intelligence, and this AI lab has been set up as a proof of concept for the same. The research will focus on topics like machine vision, natural language processing, internet of things etc.
NVIDIA AI Lab
In partnership with IIT Hyderabad, NVIDIA has established an AI lab to accelerate research and innovation in the commercial adoption of AI. IIT Hyderabad also houses two key systems from NVIDIA — DGX-1 and DGX-2. With this AI lab, NVIDIA aims to develop innovative solutions that can help with uniquely Indian challenges like crop yielding and smart cities. Alongside, the AI lab will also build strong AI capabilities of IIT Hyderabad, powering AI revolution across research facilities everywhere.
IBM Centre Of Excellence
Last year, IBM collaborated with the Government e-Marketplace to set up an AI lab, aka centre of excellence to infuse AI into software and systems in the 21st century. To accelerate AI applications, IBM has also partnered with the Karnataka government and NITI Aayog for agricultural and environmental solutions. Alongside, IBM aims to address the massive skills shortage in AI by starting IBM STEM initiative for women. With this AI Lab, the company strives to boost the economy crippled by the COVID pandemic.
