The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has taken a major step towards strengthening India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence. The MoU was exchanged with Ms. Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Mr. Ranjan Tandon in the presence of Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi, with Ambassador Shri Vinay Kwatra joining virtually from the USA.
The School will be set up through a generous endowment of ₹100 crore, positioning it among the most significant philanthropic contributions to higher education and AI research in India.
A Landmark Alumni-Led Endowment
The new School is being established through the endowment by Ms. Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon, an alumna of IIMA’s PGP Class of 1975, and her husband Mr. Ranjan Tandon. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan praised the initiative as a powerful example of alumni giving back to their alma mater, strengthening the culture of philanthropy in Indian higher education.
He said the MoU, signed in the lead-up to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, reflects the concrete steps India is taking to emerge as a global AI leader under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
AI as an Enabler for People, Progress and Planet
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that artificial intelligence will be a key enabler for inclusive growth, benefiting people, accelerating progress, and supporting sustainability. He noted that India’s leadership in AI will depend not only on technological advancement but also on the strength of its institutions and human capital.
The Minister said the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence will contribute to:
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Strengthening India’s AI capabilities
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Democratising access to AI
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Creating global job opportunities from India
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Harnessing AI for social good and public impact
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Advancing responsible and ethical use of AI
A Unique School at the Intersection of Technology, Management and Public Impact
As a pioneering School of Artificial Intelligence within a management institute, the new School will function at the intersection of technology, management, governance, and societal impact. With a strong global orientation, it will focus on solving India’s complex and large-scale challenges using responsible and effective AI applications.
Anchored in IIMA’s legacy of leadership and institution-building, the School aims to influence how AI is:
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Developed
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Deployed
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Governed
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Scaled for long-term business and societal value
It is envisioned as a natural extension of IIMA’s mission to shape the future of management education in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Hub for Translational and Business-Focused AI
The School will operate as a national and global hub for business-focused and translational AI, bringing together:
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World-class faculty
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Industry leaders
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Policymakers
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Global academic and institutional partners
Its research agenda will be application-led and case-based, grounded in real-world challenges faced by businesses, governments, and institutions. A key focus will be on converting cutting-edge AI research into:
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Deployable solutions
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Practical tools and frameworks
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Scalable AI systems
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Decision-support platforms
These outcomes are expected to enhance productivity, strengthen governance, and improve outcomes across sectors.
Presence of Senior Officials
The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries including Dr Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad, Shri Purnendu Banerjee, Joint Secretary (Higher Education), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at IIM Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global AI powerhouse. Backed by visionary philanthropy, institutional excellence, and national policy direction, the School is poised to play a transformative role in shaping AI research, leadership, and impact for India and the world.
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Source: PIB
