George Mason University’s College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) announced a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology–Ropar (IIT–Ropar) to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) in artificial intelligence (AI) focused on agriculture.
This collaboration is part of a larger initiative by India’s Ministry of Education to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem in healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities by establishing three Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in collaboration with international partners.
This CoE focused on agriculture is aptly led by IIT–Ropar, located in Punjab, India’s agricultural heartland, with a consortium that includes George Mason University and eight other IITs.
Gurdip Singh, the divisional dean of CEC, spearheaded George Mason’s involvement after meeting IIT–Ropar’s director, Rajiv Ahuja, at a Washington, D.C., conference in early 2024. The IIT–Ropar proposal was ultimately one of three selected from a competitive pool of 55 submissions.
According to Singh, the collaboration aims to address challenges such as improving crop quality, reducing agricultural losses, and incorporating sustainable farming practices in the face of climate change and population growth. “There is a tremendous desire to improve agricultural methods and crop yields.”
Pushpendra Singh, dean for Research and Technology at IIT–Ropar, emphasized the importance of engaging with farmers to create viable AI-based solutions tailored to their needs. “The CoE will leverage IIT-Ropar’s extensive infrastructure to connect with farmers, listen to their problems, and develop viable AI-based economic solutions.”
The project, funded at $40 million over four years, will leverage AI, robotics, and sensor technology expertise from CEC and IIT–Ropar’s infrastructure. George Mason officials confirmed that opportunities for faculty and student involvement would be available soon.
Along with IIT Ropar, two other institutions have been selected as Centers of Excellence (CoEs) for artificial intelligence under the Ministry of Education’s initiative. AIIMS Delhi will lead the CoE for AI in Healthcare, aiming to revolutionize medical diagnostics, treatment, and patient care through advanced AI applications. IIT Kanpur has been designated the CoE for AI in Sustainable Cities, focusing on creating intelligent, eco-friendly urban solutions.
Thrilled to share IIT Ropar has been named a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI under the Ministry of Education’s initiative! As the CoE for AI in Agriculture, we'll revolutionize farming with AI. Proud to join AIIMS Delhi (AI in Healthcare) and IIT Kanpur (AI in Sustainable City) pic.twitter.com/gZNAdRu2uV
— IIT ROPAR (@iitrpr) October 15, 2024
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