Persistent Systems has announced that its affiliate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur to establish an AI Innovation Lab within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia while advancing research and talent development in artificial intelligence.
The proposed lab will function as a long-term platform to promote research, support skill development and encourage the creation of practical AI solutions. It aligns with Persistent’s focus on expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities and aims to contribute to the broader vision of making AI accessible across sectors.
The facility will be equipped with advanced computing infrastructure, laboratory resources and learning tools to support both academic research and applied development. Key focus areas include healthcare analytics, education technology and financial intelligence, with an emphasis on building safe, reliable and responsible AI systems.
The initiative is expected to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications by encouraging an integrated approach that combines system design, development and deployment. It will also help create scalable solutions while strengthening links between research institutions and industry requirements.
Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Persistent Systems, stated that the collaboration reflects the importance of combining research excellence with practical problem-solving. He highlighted that the lab will focus on addressing challenges relevant to India while preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the global technology landscape.
Representatives from IIT Kharagpur noted that the partnership brings valuable industry exposure into the academic environment, enabling students and faculty to work on real-world challenges. The collaboration is also expected to encourage knowledge exchange and foster innovation across domains.
The AI Innovation Lab will additionally support international collaboration and engagement with policymakers, researchers and industry participants. It is expected to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary work, contributing to the development of a strong and inclusive AI ecosystem in India.
Persistent Systems operates globally, delivering digital engineering and enterprise modernization services across industries. With a workforce spread across multiple countries, the company focuses on areas such as software engineering, cloud computing, data analytics and intelligent automation.
The establishment of the AI Innovation Lab reflects ongoing efforts to build future-ready talent and strengthen India’s position in emerging technologies. By combining academic expertise with industry experience, the initiative is expected to contribute to innovation, research and skill development in the field of artificial intelligence.
