- Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research to power India’s next wave of AI engineers and innovators
- Global academic rigor meets industry-driven learning to bridge India’s critical AI talent gap
- Master’s programme, applied research, and international faculty to anchor India’s AI leadership ambitions
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NE EDUCATION BUREAU
MUMBAI, MAR 2
In a decisive move to strengthen India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and McGill University have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research in India, aimed at nurturing globally competitive AI engineers and advancing applied research.
The MoU was formalised by Shyam S Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group; Hari S Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group; and Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University, on the sidelines of a high-level engagement attended by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.
The Centre of Excellence is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world AI deployment by combining rigorous academic foundations with applied industry engagement. It will initially offer a specialised Master’s programme that integrates theoretical depth with hands-on learning, enabling students to work on live projects aligned with emerging technological and industry needs.
This strategic collaboration will leverage McGill University’s globally recognised research-led AI ecosystem and the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation’s industry linkages to create a powerful platform for innovation, research, and workforce readiness. The Centre will also serve as a research hub focused on developing AI solutions aligned with India’s fast-growing digital economy and transformation goals.
Commenting on the occasion, Shyam S Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group and Hari S Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman, Jubilant Bhartia Group said,
“India is at the forefront of digital innovation, and the need for industry-ready AI talent has never been greater. Through our partnership with McGill University, we are creating a powerful ecosystem where academic rigor meets real-world execution thus supporting India’s vision of becoming a global AI powerhouse. The Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research will produce professionals who can move seamlessly from classroom concepts to enterprise-scale AI deployment.”
Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor McGill University, Canada said,
“The Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research in India represents an important step in expanding the University’s global presence, strengthening international partnerships, and extending its academic reach. I want to thank both the Government of Canada and the Government of India for acknowledging the Centre, as well as our partner, the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, for its close collaboration. I look forward to the next steps of this project in which we will design the curriculum, apply academic standards, oversee quality assurance, and enhance research partnerships”.
The Centre will offer an advanced Master’s programme annually for Indian graduates, emphasising academic excellence, applied learning through live projects and industry case studies, global best practices in AI research, and mentorship from international faculty and industry experts.
As India’s digital economy accelerates and artificial intelligence adoption expands across sectors, the Centre is expected to address the pressing shortage of highly skilled AI professionals. By fostering research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration, the initiative aims to develop globally competitive AI leaders and strengthen India’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence.
