KATTANKULATHUR, CHENNAI – SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has signed an agreement with Techvantage AI to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and research. The long-term collaboration focuses on Agentic AI, integrating academic learning with industry applications.
The partnership aims to develop AI talent and foster innovation. It will introduce industry-aligned academic modules and lab-based learning at SRMIST’s Kattankulathur campus.
Key Collaboration Areas
Under the agreement, Techvantage AI and its spin-off, Zentis AI Technologies, will work directly with SRMIST. The collaboration targets several areas:
- Curriculum Development: Introducing academic modules directly aligned with industry needs.
- Practical Learning: Establishing lab-based learning environments focused on Agentic AI systems.
- Student Training: Providing students with exposure to real-world AI technologies.
- Faculty Development: Enhancing faculty expertise through industry immersion programs and joint training initiatives.
- Joint Research: Undertaking collaborative research projects in applied AI.
- Industry Projects: Integrating industry-specific projects within the academic framework for students and faculty.
Focus on Agentic AI
The core focus of this collaboration is Agentic AI. This specialized field involves creating intelligent systems capable of autonomous action and decision-making. Students will gain practical experience with these advanced AI systems in a laboratory setting.
Deviprasad Thrivikraman Pillai, CEO of Techvantage AI, stated the partnership enables applied learning. Pillai said the collaboration exposes students to agent-based systems within a university environment. He added it equips faculty with the necessary depth to guide students effectively. Pillai also noted this bridge between industry and academia will prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future.
Future Initiatives and Resources
The agreement includes provisions for establishing a potential Centre of Excellence. This center would focus on applied AI research and prototype development. Faculty members from SRMIST may also participate in short-term industry immersion programs with Techvantage AI.
Both institutions plan to share platforms and infrastructure. This will support joint research and enhance academic delivery. Discussions are also underway for a future Agentic AI laboratory on the SRMIST campus. This facility would be subject to mutual agreement and alignment.
R Annie Uthra, Professor and Head of the Department of Computational Intelligence at SRMIST, commented on the partnership. Uthra stated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Techvantage allows SRMIST to explore academic interaction and applied learning. She added it will facilitate joint initiatives that align institutional strengths with industry perspectives in Artificial Intelligence.