Latest news with #WadhwaniFoundation
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Tech is the key to prepare the workforce for dignified jobs: Ajay Kela, CEO, Wadhwani Foundation
Founded in 2001, Wadhwani Foundation is the brainchild of Romesh Wadhwani, a billionaire entrepreneur, technologist, and philanthropist, known for building successful tech companies in the US. Ajay was formerly the managing director of Symphony Services, a software services company, and has also worked with Autodesk, where he scaled their AutoCAD business. He was also a research scientist at GE working on Computer Aided Design (CAD) products and has published research papers in reputed journals. Ajay is a graduate in mechanical engineering from IIT Bombay and holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and computational geometry from the University of Rochester. Ajay spoke to on the roadmap for energising the entrepreneur ecosystem in India, the necessity to keep the focus on 'dignified job' creation, and on working with academic institutions to make their research relevant to a larger social cause. Edited excerpts: Venkatesh Kannaiah: Can you tell us about Wadhwani Foundation's goals and how tech-centric solutions play a role? Ajay Kela: Our founder, Romesh Wadhwani, is a tech pioneer and has been working on AI since long. He was the founder of robotics companies as early as the 1970s, and was making robots and competing with Japanese robotics manufacturers. Now he is also an investor in enterprise AI companies. So tech is in our DNA. We all come from a tech background. Our goal at the foundation is to provide 'dignified family wage jobs' for five million people by 2030, and upskill 25 million people with new age job-ready skills by 2030. We understand that tech is the key to scale and we have invested in the ecosystem for a long time. We work on the axes of entrepreneurship, skilling, innovation, research, and working with governments for digital transformation of their services. We work with the entrepreneur ecosystem in India and abroad by supporting startups, teaching entrepreneurship, and working with various academic institutions working on the theme of entrepreneurship. On skilling, we have now built AI tools to enhance skill-based training. We support research in emerging tech to help resolve real-world problems. We network with researchers, students, institutions as well as entrepreneurs to drive the development of impactful solutions. The research in academic institutions typically ends up as research papers and it goes no further. We want to translate relevant research into products and startups for the social good. Finally, we also work with government and policymakers to sensitise them on the evolving tech ecosystems, helping them to make informed decisions for the public good. Venkatesh Kannaiah: Tell us about the Wadhwani Innovation Network and its initiatives. Ajay Kela: We are now working with Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to accelerate the transformation of India's research ecosystem. ANRF is a government body formed to provide high-level strategic directions for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in India. The partnership between Wadhwani Innovation Network and ANRF is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a government research institution and a philanthropic foundation. Through this, we want to co-fund and scale up research to drive visible social impact. We are co-funding this initiative to the tune of USD 150 million. The Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) centres at top research institutions will drive research commercialisation and partner with ANRF for jointly funding late-stage projects. It will also focus on supporting research that can be translated into products and ventures in sectors like AI, biosciences, health tech, and space tech. These will be done through grants, government support, venture investment, and corporate partnerships. We will invest in these research efforts across the country and connect them through superhubs and hubs of specialisation at top universities. We will have a superhub for AI and Intelligent Systems at IIT Kanpur and one for biotechnology at IIT Bombay. We have also announced support for 10 hubs at premier institutes, 100 innovation centres, and co-funding of projects through ANRF and AICTE's Innovation centres. Venkatesh Kannaiah: As part of your entrepreneurship initiative, can you name some interesting startups/innovations that you mentored? Ajay Kela: There are many successful companies that have been mentored by us through our entrepreneur development initiatives. We have supported more than 7000 startups in their journey, and have trained more than two lakh students with entrepreneurship skills. There is Practo, India's leading online app for booking appointments and consulting doctors. It also has a comprehensive medical directory with detailed, verified information about more than one lakh doctors across the country. This was part of our early cohort in the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN). There is Mukunda Foods, which began with the aim of selling dosas but later pivoted and decided to focus on automation of Indian food products. They decided to start designing their first product, Dosamatic, which is an automated dosa making machine. This too was part of NEN. Venkatesh Kannaiah: As part of your innovation and research, what areas do you focus on from an impact perspective? Ajay Kela: We think that two technologies are going to dominate the future. One of them is AI, and the other is synthetic biology. For that we are working with two super hubs. For AI, we are working with IIT Kanpur and for biosciences, we are working with IIT Bombay. We are working on a hub and spoke model and are working with 10 directly funded institutes on a variety of areas, ranging from quantum computing and health to medtech. Venkatesh Kannaiah: Tell us about interesting innovations that have come out of your research or research support efforts. Ajay Kela: One of the areas that we work in is with the Wadhwani Research Centre for Bio Engineering, founded in 2014 by IIT Bombay and Wadhwani Foundation. It was set up to leverage IIT Bombay's expertise in bioengineering to incentivise innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, MedTech, and synthetic biology. Three interesting startups come to mind. There is Algorithmic Biologics, which is bringing the power of algorithms to biotechnology-based industries. Their work will have far reaching applications in molecular testing for diagnostics and research. It is into what is called smarter molecular testing and, with the use of AI, has made image-based diagnostics affordable. Then there is Immunoact, which works on innovative, affordable, and accessible cell and gene therapies. Their cell therapies are personalised for each patient and are specifically designed to limit their side effects and make them safer. There is Clarity Bio Systems, a pioneer in delivering advanced solutions in diagnostics, bioprocess development, and genome-scale metabolic modelling. Venkatesh Kannaiah: How are you using AI tools in your skilling initiatives? Ajay Kela: We have built Genie AI, an AI-powered personalised education platform, and we are working with academia, industry, and the government to scale the same. Our focus is on training workers on new-age job skills for a period of 6-12 months or 1000 hours of training, which would help them in their job search journey. And for this, we have built a knowledge dissemination layer with interactive video content. Based on user feedback and knowledge levels, it would morph into a personalisation tool and provide answers based on the knowledge levels of the users. We have also built an AI layer with 24/7 AI agents working as counsellors, and helping the course takers with information and queries. And on top of it is the human layer, with volunteers and paid experts who would with the help of matching algorithms help users and enable live sessions to help job seekers. Venkatesh Kannaiah: Can you tell us about areas where your interventions have led to better delivery of government services? Ajay Kela: We work with the government in a variety of ways. We have helped the government in recruiting AI experts, and they are now working in the departments of agriculture, labour, women and child development and education. There they are working with the government to build an AI roadmap for the particular departments and also identify projects which can be carried forward. We are now working with the government in building citizen services platforms. For instance, we are working on a farmer service platform, where farmers would know about all the schemes started by the government for them, interact with the platform and benefit from the same. We have programmes where we bring state and central government officials at the joint secretary level, and sensitise them to themes and issues in AI. We also hold five-day workshops where we help select government officials to work on AI-related projects identified by them. We also incubate these projects for a period of three to six months and later work with them to scale it up. One of the interesting projects was our courses in iGot, an online learning platform for Indian civil servants. We have a dozen courses on this platform, and around four lakh government employees have taken these courses. Venkatesh Kannaiah: Tell us about the international footprint of the Wadhwani Foundation and the work that you do. Ajay Kela: Apart from India, we are in 12 other countries. These are all countries in the global south, emerging economies, and where there is a growing youth population. We are working in countries like Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IIT-K launches Wadhwani School to boost AI research
Kanpur: In a landmark step towards bolstering India's research and innovation capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has launched the Wadhwani School of Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems (WSAIS). The initiative, supported by the Wadhwani Foundation , aims to create a world-class hub for advanced research in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and AI policy . The formal launch ceremony, held in New Delhi, was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also inaugurated related initiatives at IIT Bombay and announced the formation of the Wadhwani Innovation Network. These SuperHubs will drive collaborative research across AI, health tech, quantum computing, and biotechnology in partnership with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The PM said, "I congratulate the Wadhwani Foundation, our IITs, and all stakeholders for this effort. These hubs will accelerate India's journey from lab to market, converting ideas into products that benefit society." He also highlighted the role of the PM Vidya Lakshmi Yojana, under which over 7,000 internship cells have been set up to give students hands-on research experience. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chungcheongnam-do: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo At the event, Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur , and Dr Ajay Kela, President and CEO of the Wadhwani Foundation, exchanged a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing WSAIS as a central node in a national innovation network of 50 partner hubs. "With our strengths in AI, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity, this collaboration will create a thriving ecosystem at IIT Kanpur that translates cutting-edge research into real-world solutions," said Prof Agrawal. The WSAIS will feature five initial research centres focused on advanced AI, intelligent systems development, cybersecurity of cyber-physical systems, robotics, and AI policy. The school will launch an interdisciplinary Department of Intelligent Systems, offering BTech, MTech, PhD, and postdoctoral programs, with admissions set to begin in 2026. The school will also add new options for students across existing departments of IIT Kanpur. Dr Kela noted, "By merging IIT Kanpur's academic strength with the Wadhwani Foundation's commitment to impact, we aim to build a global innovation hub that empowers India's young innovators and entrepreneurs." In addition to IIT Kanpur, MoUs were also signed with IIT Bombay and the ANRF to establish parallel SuperHubs in biosciences and health technologies, further extending the reach of India's research infrastructure. IIT Kanpur, long regarded for its contributions to science and technology, sees this partnership as a major leap forward in its mission to deliver meaningful, high-impact technological solutions to national and global challenges.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Kanpur sets up AI School with Wadhwani Foundation
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has collaborated with the Wadhwani Foundation to launch a School of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems. During a launch event held in New Delhi, the collaboration was formalized through a MoU signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (MoU). The new school is expected to act as a superhub in Wadhwani Innovation Network. WSAI will host a newly established department with five early research centers and intelligent systems, offering student, doctoral and doctoral programs starting in 2026. Professor Manindra Aggarwal, director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the institute's intelligent system and the ongoing work in cyber security. 'This support will increase our efforts to create an ecosystem that not only carries research boundaries, but also practical solutions,' he said. The school will also focus on commercialization of research results by joining the industry partners and enabling start -up initiatives. Apart from the IIT Kanpur initiative, a similar collaboration was announced in the same programme with IIT Bombay and Ausandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which focused on Biocheins, health technology and quantum technologies. Meanwhile, established in 1959, IIT Kanpur along with other top IITs of the country is a pioneer in engineering, research, and innovation. The Institute is a dream for many JEE aspirants. The Institute has been an alma mater for alumni like Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy to Indigo Airlines co-founder Rakesh Gangwal. In 2024, under the NIRF Rankings, released annually by the Ministry of Education, IIT Kanpur ranked 5 under the overall category, followed by fourth spot under engineering, seventh in research and 29th in management. Lately, the Institute was also given a donation of Rs 4.2 crore by the Class of 1980. The donation was announced during their 45th-year reunion held between March 2 and 4. As many as 63 alumni were present during the reunion.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
IIT Kanpur & Wadhwani Foundation to establish Wadhwani School of Advanced Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Systems
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has partnered with the Wadhwani Foundation to launch the Wadhwani School of Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems for advanced AI, cyber-security, robotics and AI policy, and nurturing interdisciplinary teams of faculty, researchers and students in state-of-the-art laboratories. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack PM Modi-led 'Super Cabinet' reviews J&K security arrangements Pakistan's General Asim Munir is itching for a fight. Are his soldiers willing? India planning to launch military strike against Pakistan within 24 to 36 hours, claims Pak minister This initiative, supported by the Wadhwani Foundation, aims at creating world-class education and research centres on campus and empowering a network of 50 partner hubs across India. It will also be a SuperHub, enabling and supporting 'research capacity building' through research and innovation programs and activities at research institutes in the Wadhwani Innovation Network , IIT Kanpur said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the formal launch: 'Today, super hubs of artificial intelligence, Intelligent Systems, Bioscience, Biotechnology, Health and Medicine are being launched at IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay. We have also inaugurated the Wadhwani Innovation Network and pledged to take research forward in collaboration with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. I congratulate the Wadhwani Foundation, our IITs and all stakeholders for this effort.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The school will focus on frontier areas in technology including, a Department of Intelligent Systems , and five initial research centers in the areas of Advanced AI, Developing Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity of Cyber-physical Systems, Robotics, and AI Policy and Outreach . Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur said: 'At IIT Kanpur we have a strong expertise in developing intelligent systems, AI and cybersecurity. This support of the Wadhwani Foundation will bolster our continuing efforts in creating an ecosystem at IIT Kanpur that not only pushes the frontiers of AI and intelligent systems research but also translates innovations into solutions that address real-world challenges from secure critical infrastructure to responsible AI policies.' Live Events Dr. Ajay Kela, President and CEO of the Wadhwani Foundation said: 'We believe that India's greatest asset is its young innovators. By combining IIT Kanpur's academic excellence with the Wadhwani Foundation's focus on scalable impact, we aim to create a truly global hub of AI innovation. Our investment will support not only the school's physical infrastructure, but also long-term programs, scholarships and entrepreneurial pathways for students. The WSAIS will function as a SuperHub in the Wadhwani Innovation Network.' The School will initially launch with a multi-disciplinary Department of Intelligent Systems offering BTech, MTech, PhD and postdoctoral programs. A network of external hubs, including premier institutes and industry partners, will enable dissemination of best practices in research translation and commercialisation. The Wadhwani Innovation Network will enable these hubs to secure industry funding, form start-up ventures and drive regional innovation ecosystems. Admissions for the first batch of Department of Intelligent Systems students is slated to begin in 2026. The School will also add new options for students across existing departments of IIT Kanpur. Alongside the IITK-Wadhwani Foundation MoU, two other MoUs were signed at the event with IIT Bombay and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) joining hands with the Wadhwani Foundation to establish Superhubs in Biosciences & Health Tech and to co-fund high-impact translational research across AI, quantum technologies, biosciences, health tech and smart mobility.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Talent, temperament, tech will change future: Modi
The trinity of 'talent, temperament and technology' will transform the future of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he emphasized on simplifying regulations and fast-tracking approvals to allow the benefits of innovation and research to reach the people. Modi also hailed India's youth as 'R&D'—ready and disruptive—and narrated how India is setting new milestones in various sectors. Speaking at the YUGM (Confluence in Sanskrit) Innovation Conclave organized by the Wadhwani Foundation and the Union education ministry in New Delhi, the PM remarked that 'We have limited time, the goals are big'. After a pause, Modi clarified that he was not referring to the 'current situation', referring to anticipation over India's response to the terror attack at Pahalgam , but about the larger task of turning India into a developed nation by 2047. The PM said the country is at the forefront to adapting to AI (artificial intelligence). He added that India must accelerate the transition from idea to product in order to meet the goal of becoming 'Viksit Bharat' within the next 25 years. Speaking at length on the latest innovations, the PM also compared the progress made during the UPA era and the current regime. 'To give continuous momentum to the goals that India has set, it is necessary to strengthen the country's research ecosystem. In the last decade, rapid work has been done in this direction, necessary resources have been increased. In 2013-14, the gross expenditure on R&D was only ₹60 thousand crores. We have more than doubled it to more than ₹1.25 lakh crores. Many state-of-the-art research parks have also been established in the country. Research and Development Cells have been established in about 6000 higher education institutions. Due to our efforts, innovation culture is developing rapidly in the country' Modi said that in 2014, around 40 thousand patents were filed in India every year, which has now increased to more than 80 thousand. 'This also shows how much support the youth of the country is getting from our intellectual property ecosystem,' he added, listing the ₹50,000 crore (over five years) National Research Foundation , the One Nation One Subscription scheme for subscription to journals, and the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship. Modi highlighted the commissioning of the world's longest hyperloop test track, the 422-metre hyperloop developed by IIT Madras and the Indian Railways, the development of 'brain on a chip' technology by IISC and making of the first indigenous MRI machine. 'There are many such path-breaking R&D that are taking place in our universities. This is the youth power of a developing India – Ready, Disruptive, and Transformative!' Modi said. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also spoke at the conclave. He said the government will open 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs in schools across the country over the next five years. He said 10,000 such labs have already been established. He said initiatives such as internship cells and the PM Vidyalakshmi scheme are being implemented to support skill development and improve access to education. Pradhan said the word 'YUGM' reflects integration, vision, and innovation. He said the government's education and research reforms are forming the base of a self-reliant India.
