3 weeks ago
IBM opens AI centres with MIT Bengaluru and CHRIST University
A big technology company called IBM teamed up with two universities in India.
One is MIT Bengaluru, and the other is CHRIST University in Bengaluru.
They opened new centres where students can learn about artificial intelligence, or AI — technology that lets computers think, learn and solve problems.
The centre at MIT Bengaluru has very powerful computers called GPUs that can run 30 big tasks at the same time.
Students can get free AI training through a programme called IBM SkillsBuild.
They can join workshops, bootcamps and hands-on training to learn about AI and machine learning.
Students who finish can earn digital certificates and get help from teachers and student volunteers.
The programmes especially want to help students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions, who may not have easy access to powerful computers.
Students can also work on real company projects, take part in hackathons, do internships and even start their own companies.
Leaders from IBM and Karnataka said these centres will make AI education fair and available to everyone.
IBM and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, a constituent of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), inaugurated the IBM–MIT AI Lab – MAHE Intelligence GPU (MIG), a GPU-powered facility supporting 30 high-performance computing workloads simultaneously.
The lab supports research in machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, healthcare, intelligent systems and data analytics.
Through IBM SkillsBuild, students receive free AI awareness workshops, immersive bootcamps, hands-on training, IBM SkillsBuild digital credentials and mentorship from MIT Bengaluru faculty and student volunteers.
IBM and CHRIST (Deemed to be University) also announced the IBM Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence, giving students, faculty, researchers and PhD scholars access to IBM technologies including watsonx.ai, watsonx Orchestrate and IBM Bob.
The initiatives prioritise students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions and will support industry projects, research programmes, faculty development, hackathons, internships and startup incubation.
- Who
- IBM; Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, a constituent of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE); and CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The MIT Bengaluru lab was inaugurated by Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, and Nisha Gopinath, Vice President, HR, IBM India and South Asia.
- What
- IBM and the universities established two AI centres: the IBM–MIT AI Lab – MAHE Intelligence GPU (MIG) at MIT Bengaluru with advanced GPU computing, and the IBM Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence at CHRIST University, both offering research infrastructure and free AI training through IBM SkillsBuild.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (MIT Bengaluru campus and CHRIST University).
- When
- Not specified in the articles; the announcements were published on August 11, 2026.
- Why
- To democratise access to AI education and advanced computing, strengthen Karnataka's AI ecosystem, bridge the digital divide for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions, and equip learners with industry-relevant skills for the AI-driven economy.
Key facts
- Partners
- IBM, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru (MAHE) and CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
- Facility at MIT Bengaluru
- IBM–MIT AI Lab – MAHE Intelligence GPU (MIG), supporting 30 high-performance computing workloads simultaneously
- Facility at CHRIST University
- IBM Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence
- Research areas
- Machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, NLP, cybersecurity, healthcare, intelligent systems, data analytics
- Training programme
- IBM SkillsBuild — free AI workshops, bootcamps, hands-on training and digital credentials
- Focus audience
- Students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions
- IBM technologies offered
- watsonx.ai, watsonx Orchestrate, IBM Bob
- Location
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Quotes
Karnataka IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge
Minister of Karnataka Information Technology and Business Technology
“The way software is built is being fundamentally reshaped by AI. Through this Innovation Center, students and researchers will work with IBM Bob to experience how AI can accelerate every stage of the software lifecycle.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“India stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey, with the talent, innovation ecosystem, and digital foundations to lead the next wave of global AI innovation.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru
Academic leader and pro vice chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru
“"Artificial Intelligence must become an enabler for everyone, not just a privileged few."”
businesstoday.in
Sources
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