The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, June 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant move towards harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) for societal development, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the Keonjhar-based Charitable Trust, Rabisons Foundation, have inked a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration aims to propel research, innovation, and education initiatives through the establishment of the AI and HPC Research Center (AHRC) at IIT Bhubaneswar.
Under the terms of the MoU, the Rabisons Foundation pledges a substantial funding contribution of Rs. 25 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25 to support the endeavours of AHRC. This financial backing is set to drive advancements in various domains, including healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, green energy, and more.
At the signing ceremony, attended by notable figures such as Rabisons Foundation Trustee and Donor, Saroj Kumar Patnaik, Board of Governors member Satyabrata Panda, and IIT Bhubaneswar Director Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, sentiments of optimism and ambition filled the air. Patnaik expressed his fervent belief in leveraging technology for societal upliftment, while Panda envisioned a future where IIT Bhubaneswar stands among the world’s premier educational institutions.
Prof. Karmalkar reiterated the institute’s commitment to holistic knowledge generation and dissemination, emphasizing the importance of collaborations like this in achieving excellence. Meanwhile, Prof. Ashwini Nanda, Director of AHRC, outlined the center’s multifaceted approach towards addressing real-world challenges through interdisciplinary research.
The scope of work supported by the Rabisons Foundation encompasses a wide array of activities, including research and development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the establishment of the ‘Rabisons Foundation–AHRC Scholarship’ to support economically disadvantaged yet academically proficient students.
AHRC, established in May 2023, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse fields to tackle complex societal and industrial problems. With the support of Rabisons Foundation, AHRC is poised to accelerate its efforts towards meaningful technological advancements for the betterment of society.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey towards leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address pressing societal challenges, underscoring the pivotal role of partnerships in driving innovation and progress.
