Students and researchers in Bengaluru are getting a new place to learn and work with advanced artificial intelligence tools. Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru and IBM have joined hands to set up a new AI lab at the institute.

The IBM–MIT AI Lab – MAHE Intelligence GPU (MIG) was opened at the MIT campus on August 10. The new lab will give students, researchers and institutions access to powerful computing systems, AI research facilities and digital training.

Its GPU based setup can handle up to 30 high-performance computing tasks. The facility will support work in several areas, including “machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, healthcare, intelligent systems and data analytics.”

Students will also get chances to work on industry projects and take part in internships, hackathons and innovation programmes. The lab will also support new startup ideas through incubation programmes.

In a statement, Priyank Kharge, Cabinet Minister for Home, IT & BT, e-Governance, Government of Karnataka, said, “I commend MIT, BLRU and IBM on launching the IBM-MIT, AI Lab and their shared commitment to advancing AI education and nurturing future-ready talent. This collaboration highlights the power of academia-industry partnerships in strengthening Karnataka’s AI ecosystem.”

“By providing access to advanced AI infrastructure, hands-on learning, and resources, the lab will empower students and researchers to accelerate innovation and develop AI-driven solutions that address societal challenges and contribute to inclusive growth,”

Dr Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, said the new centre will give a strong boost to the university’s AI research work. He explained that the facility will provide students and researchers the high-speed computing power needed to work on difficult AI projects and find solutions to complex problems.

According to him, the goal is to create a space where students can gain practical experience, researchers can do advanced work and graduates can develop skills that companies need.

The new AI lab was inaugurated by Professor Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru and Nisha Gopinath, Vice President of Human Resources at IBM India and South Asia.

Shipra Sharma, CSR Leader at IBM India and South Asia and Dr EV Ramana Reddy, Chairman of KSDA, attended the inauguration along with Dr Raghavendra Prabhu, Additional Registrar of MAHE Bengaluru and Dr Dayanand, Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering.

Several senior officials, university leaders, IBM representatives, teachers, researchers and students were also present at the event.