The IITs have been doing a lot of research work in the field of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning and blockchain, among others. These institutes have been tying up with various large organisations to launch R&Ds and Centre of Excellences in various parts of India.

In this article, we list down the top AI initiatives by IITs in 2019.

IIT Bombay

This year, two faculties from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Dr Amit Sethi, and Dr Arjun Jain joined hands with Great Learning to design and launch a hands-on three months programme on deep learning. The Deep Learning Certificate programme covers the foundation of deep learning, neural network, computer vision, NLP and other core areas.

IIT Delhi

One of the oldest IITs, IIT Delhi has developed an AI system which will help medical practitioners detect health conditions like malaria, TB, cervical cancer and intestinal parasites in milliseconds using a low-powered electronic hardware system. The device will be low-cost as well as portable and it will enable edge-AI systems accessible to all in a low resource environment. The institute also announced that it will backup startups working in the field of AI, ML, and other emerging tech areas to boost its research ecosystem.

IIT Guwahati

Recently, IIT-G launched a new MTech programme in data science in order to address the rising demand of the students. Particularly, three departments, Computer Science, Mathematics and Electronics and Electrical jointly offered this interdisciplinary programme. 

Furthermore, the institute launched a course called Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence where the objective of this course is to present an overview of the principles and practices of AI to address such complex real-world problems. The course is basically designed to develop a basic understanding of problem-solving, knowledge representation, reasoning and learning methods of AI.

IIT Hyderabad

IIT Hyderabad started a BTech programme in AI in the month of August. The admission for this course will be done on the basis of the JEE-Advanced score. The institute already offers MTech programmes in AI, machine learning and data science including a minor programme for undergraduate students in AI and humanity. 

IIT Kharagpur

Recently, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has joined hands with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to build an Artificial Intelligence related resource platform called National Artificial Intelligence Resource Portal (NAIRP). Through this platform, the institute will provide cloud computing to all learners and reduce the high barrier to make training in AI more available. 

In January this year, the institute announced the launch of the new 6 months course on artificial intelligence and machine learning which is specially designed for working professionals and engineering students. Further, the institute had also announced the launch of an off-campus centre of excellence for AI in Hyderabad and is working closely with the Govt. of Telangana.   

IIT Kanpur

In May, this institute opened specialised AI and IoT research centre in collaboration with a reputed organisation. The centre will be responsible for doing research in the areas of IoT(Internet of things) and AI and is dedicated to conducting research and teaching in modern concepts of these and other technologies. 

IIT Madras

IIT Madras already offers dual degree specialisations in data science and robotics. Recently, the institute announced that it is planning to almost double the number of seats for its Inter-Disciplinary Dual Degree (IDDD) program on Data Science. 

IIT Roorkee

This institute offers courses on emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, computer vision, among others. The institute has also launched other courses on emerging technologies like data analytics, big data analysis, deep learning, cognitive science and much more. 

Recently, the institute partnered with Microsoft Garage India for the quantum computing course for a full semester. The course has been structured by IIT Roorkee and Microsoft which will provide the students, access to Q# Programming Language practical examples, Microsoft Quantum Development Kit and Microsoft Quantum Faculty.

IIT Ropar

IIT Ropar has been researching on domains like artificial intelligence in defence. In May, the institute launched a new MTech course in the field of AI and ML. The idea behind this two-year programme is to develop a workforce which can step up to the challenges of the upcoming age of artificial intelligence. The institute will also roll out courses on advanced ML topics such as deep learning, advanced computer vision, big data analytics, security analysis, spatial computing, etc. 
Recently, the institute joined hands with the Ministry of Science & Technology, Taiwan, National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan and inaugurated a research centre which is focussed on AI, renewable energy, IoT, Big Data, cybersecurity, embedded systems, among others.