The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced the establishment of a new School of Digital Engineering, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, aimed at strengthening research and innovation in emerging technologies. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of AI solutions across multiple sectors.
The institute stated that the school will function as a research-driven and industry-integrated innovation hub, operating under the Office of the Dean (Research and Development). Unlike traditional academic departments focused primarily on degree programmes, the new school will adopt a translational model that emphasises collaboration between academia, industry, and government to develop practical AI applications.
Supported by a philanthropic commitment of up to $5 million from alumnus Dr. Jyoti Chatterjee, the initiative aims to create a multidisciplinary ecosystem that integrates digital engineering, next-generation computing, artificial intelligence, and deep neural systems.
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The school will also collaborate with existing institutional facilities, including the School of Medical Science and Technology and the Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital, enabling real-world testing and deployment of AI-driven healthcare solutions.
According to IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty, the new school represents a structural shift in how applied AI is institutionalised. The initiative aims to position IIT Kharagpur as a global hub for responsible and sovereign AI development, contributing to innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and smart systems.
