In a decisive step towards strengthening India’s AI research ecosystem, Persistent Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur to establish an AI Innovation Lab within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
The initiative signals a shift from AI experimentation to governed, scalable and enterprise-grade execution. Anchored in Persistent’s AI-first strategy and a shared belief in “AI for All”, the Lab is envisioned as a long-term platform for advancing research, deepening academia–industry collaboration and preparing talent for the realities of an AI-driven world.
Located within IIT Kharagpur’s CSE department, the Lab will house advanced computational, laboratory and instructional infrastructure designed to accelerate both foundational research and applied development. Focus areas will include healthcare analytics, educational technology and financial intelligence, with a clear emphasis on building robust, safe and responsible AI systems.
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By integrating theory, systems engineering and deployment, the facility aims to bridge the often-fragmented link between academic research and real-world application. The outcomes are expected to strengthen Persistent’s AI capability stack through reusable frameworks, domain expertise and a steady pipeline of research-led talent that can be deployed across client engagements.
Beyond research and pedagogy, the Lab is positioned to function as a hub for international collaboration and cross-disciplinary engagement, encouraging dialogue among academia, industry and policy stakeholders. In doing so, it contributes meaningfully to India’s evolving AI ecosystem and expands access to foundational AI technologies across sectors.
Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Persistent, said:
“India’s AI promise will be built on original research, deep engineering, and work on real problems that shape everyday life. The Persistent AI Innovation Lab at IIT Kharagpur will work closely with faculty and students to advance research while remaining rooted in India-centric challenges. That is how we will prepare graduates who are capable, grounded and ready to make a difference.
IIT Kharagpur shaped my career and my way of thinking. I remain deeply grateful for that foundation. This initiative is a way to give back. Supporting the CSE@50 Mission as the Department approaches its golden jubilee in 2030 feels both natural and deeply personal.
I hope this Lab becomes a place where young researchers feel the same spark I once felt and go on to build things that make India and the world better.”
Prof. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay, Dean – Alumni Affairs, IIT Kharagpur, said:
“This partnership brings industry perspective into our academic ecosystem while giving our students and faculty deeper exposure to real-world challenges. It reflects the growing importance of academia-industry collaboration in advancing responsible and impactful AI at scale.
On behalf of the institute, I deeply appreciate this wonderful contribution made by the Deshpande family as well as Persistent Systems and remain thankful for their love and support for the institute.”
Prof. Niloy Ganguly, Head of Department – Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, added:
“This partnership with Persistent Systems will create an environment where academic curiosity meets engineering discipline and industry relevance. It is especially meaningful that this initiative is led by Dr. Anand Deshpande, an alumnus of our very own CSE Department, whose journey from the Department to building a global technology leader embodies the spirit we strive to nurture.”
With over 27,500 employees across 18 countries, Persistent continues to position itself at the forefront of AI-led digital engineering and enterprise modernisation. The collaboration with IIT Kharagpur underscores the company’s commitment to responsible innovation, sustainability and long-term capability building through research-led partnerships.
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