Plaksha University has launched Binny Bansal Institute for Inventing the Future (IIF) with a funding of INR 70 crore from Binny Bansal, co-founder of Flipkart and xto10x. It will leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics to solve real-world problems. The idea is to turn academic research into practical applications that will help audiences in fields as wide-ranging as healthcare, agriculture, energy and environmental sustainability.
The IIF will focus on several areas. It will build AI-powered applications for the food, health, and climate sector, designing sustainable and scalable solutions. The institute also aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. IIF will also serve as an aid in building AI talent in India through attracting opportunities for students and researchers and forming partnerships between universities and industries to bring innovations to market.
Plaksha University has joined up with the University of California (UC) to broaden its research capabilities. Joint research in deep-tech innovation will be facilitated between both institutions through this collaboration. It will also promote student and faculty exchanges, allowing both universities' students and researchers to gain global exposure and learning in their field.
The institute funded by Binny Bansal, believes that technology can create an excellent difference in lives and the IIF is an example of the same. He sees this institute as a way to help to develop groundbreaking solutions that could make an impact on society. The founding Chancellor of Plaksha University and UC Berkeley professor Prof Shankar Sastry said the creation of the IIF is a major step forward for India's chapter on the world stage as a global leader in deep-tech innovation. It will enable India to compete with the best technological hubs across the globe.
Plaksha University itself is also backed by some of the top global business and technology leaders. Hitachi's Data and Analytics division will drive the Digital Transformation of the university to enhance Technology education and research in India with a focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary study and innovation-led programs. Through IIF, Plaksha seeks to emerge as a hub for tech innovations to solve critical global issues.
