ADVERTISEMENT
Sunil Wadhwani funds data science, AI school at IIT Madras
Sunil Wadhwani made a substantial donation to IIT Madras, his alma mater.
Sunil Wadhwani speaking at the launch ceremony at IIT Madras / X/@iitmadras
Indian American Billionaire Sunil Wadhwani has donated US$ 13,256,848 to IIT Madras, his alma mater, to set up the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI.
Wadhwani and professor V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras director, recently signed a MoU for the donation in the presence of faculty, students, and alumni. “Mr. Wadhwani's gift is one of the largest gifts given by an alumnus to create a School at an educational institution in India,” IIT Madras said in a statement.
The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI will be set up with the vision to be among the top AI schools worldwide. It aims to advise the government and policymakers on data science and AI-related policy issues, the statement noted.
Courses at Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI
Admissions at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI are said to commence in July 2024. Courses to be offered include BTech programme in AI and data analytics, MTech programme in data science and AI, MS and Ph.D. programmes in data science and AI, Joint MSc in data science and AI with the University of Birmingham, UK.
Other programs include an international interdisciplinary masters programme in data science, interdisciplinary dual degree in data science, and web-enabled MTech in industrial AI. The school will also run a Joint MSc in data science and AI with the University of Birmingham, U.K., admitting 30 students.
“With the advancements in science and technology, India holds immense potential and can be a world leader in AI and allied sciences. As a proud alumnus, IIT Madras holds a special place in my life, and I am gratified to be associated with them in this manner,” Wadhwani’s statement read in part.
Who is Sunil Wadhwani?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based philanthropist-entrepreneur, Sunil Wadhwani, is the founder-donor of WISH Foundation. It runs over 300 technology-enabled health clinics in several regions across India.
Wadhwani was also the co-founder and CEO of iGate Corporation, sold for US $4.5 billion in 2015. He has served on the boards of several prestigious educational institutions, including his alma mater Carnegie-Mellon University, George Washington University, and United Way Worldwide.
Recently, Wadhwani also founded Wadhwani AI, a program of the AI Unit of the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN). The program developed an AI-based cough sound analysis technology to help identify at-risk COVID-19 patients before administering lab-based tests, even if they are asymptomatic.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
.png)
.jpeg)
.png)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login