Persistent Partners with IIT Kharagpur to Establish AI Innovation Lab for Research, Talent and National-scale Innovation

Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179 and NSE: PERSISTENT), a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, today announced that its affiliate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) to launch an AI Innovation Lab in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).

Aligned to Persistent’s AI-first strategy and a shared vision of “AI for All,” the Lab will serve as a long-term platform to advance AI research, deepen industry-academia collaboration and build future-ready talent. The initiative reflects a shared ambition to strengthen India’s role in the global AI landscape by preparing talent for the AI world through research excellence and responsible innovation.

The facility will host advanced computational, laboratory and instructional capabilities to accelerate research and applied development, with a focus on developing robust, safe and responsible AI systems across areas such as healthcare analytics, educational technology and financial intelligence.

Through an integrated approach spanning theory, systems development and deployment, the Lab will support scalable solutions while strengthening the link between research, engineering and real-world impact. This approach is expected to contribute to Persistent’s AI capability stack, including reusable frameworks, domain insights and talent pipelines that can be leveraged across engagements.

Beyond research and teaching, the Lab will promote international collaboration and cross-domain engagement, serving as a hub for knowledge exchange across academia, industry and policy stakeholders. By nurturing skilled talent and enabling impactful research, it will contribute to India’s evolving AI ecosystem and expand access to foundational technologies across sectors.

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Persistent, “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, “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, “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.”

GlobalLogic Launches AI-Driven STEM Lab in India to Equip Next-Gen Female Innovators

• The fully equipped robotics lab serves 763 girl students from Grades 6 to 9 at Renuka Swarup Memorial Girls High School in Pune
• The lab is designed to foster hands-on learning in emerging technologies such as robotics, AI, electronics, and coding
• The program is designed to create a sustainable impact through a model that not only provides hands on learning for children, but also trains the STEM teachers over a period of time to enable a long-lasting impact in STEM Education for the school.

GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company and a leader in digital product engineering, in collaboration with the India STEM Foundation, inaugurated the 'Robo Shiksha Kendra' a STEM Innovation Lab at Renuka Swarup Memorial Girls' High School in Pune, Maharashtra. Launched under the company’s flagship CSR initiative “Educate to Empower”, the lab aims to provide immersive, hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to 763 girl students from grades 6 to 9 and deliver structured training to teachers—equipping them to integrate robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics, and coding into mainstream classroom learning.

The state-of-the-art facility is designed to nurture innovation, critical thinking, and technical confidence among underserved students. Senior dignitaries including Ms. Kamladevi Awate - Deputy Director- SCERT, Maharashtra and Mr. Sudhanshu Sharma, Founder & Director, India STEM Foundation graced the inauguration along with the GlobalLogic leadership. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of the importance of early access to digital tools and emerging technologies for India’s youth.

Emphasising the company’s social mission, Ms. Monika Walia, Head- Corporate Social Responsibility, GlobalLogic said “With nearly 59% of girls discontinuing STEM education due to financial barriers, equitable access is not just a social issue—it’s a strategic necessity for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. At GlobalLogic, we view technology as a powerful equalizer. By embedding advanced STEM education in underserved schools, we are not only addressing access gaps but also cultivating the next generation of innovators who will drive India's digital and inclusive growth. Our collaboration with India STEM Foundation through the Robo Shiksha Kendra is a catalyst for systemic change—breaking down economic barriers, enabling hands-on learning in robotics and AI, and empowering both students and educators to actively contribute to India's tech-driven future.”

Highlighting GlobalLogic’s commitment to building India’s next generation of technologists, Mr. Vikram Puranik, Senior Vice President – Engineering (Communications, Consumer & Media), GlobalLogic, said: "Our innovation-led commitments align with India’s mission to drive technology-led growth, and this STEM innovation lab is a step in that direction. Pune—both an IT hub and the education capital—is the ideal place to nurture future-ready talent. By making learning in AI, robotics, coding, and automation accessible to underserved schools, we are creating opportunities and building a strong pipeline of future technologists, while also complementing GlobalLogic’s digital engineering expertise. This lab is about equipping young minds with visual, engaging and hands-on experiences that reduce drop-out rates and spark curiosity—fueling the innovation of tomorrow."

The impact of the lab is already evident through student achievements. A standout example is the "Future Femmes" team—three students from the school who qualified for the national round of the World Robot Olympiad in Hyderabad. Their project, AmritDarpan, an AI- and IoT-powered solution addressing water quality and accessibility, stood out among 293 of the nation’s brightest teams. Their journey reflects not only technical brilliance but also a deep sense of social responsibility.

Mr. Sudhanshu Sharma, Founder & Director, India STEM Foundation said, “Our collaboration with GlobalLogic represents a pivotal milestone in advancing STEM education across India. Their dedication to nurturing future-ready talent through CSR gives tremendous strength to the Robo Shiksha Kendra initiative and reflects our common vision of empowering the innovators of tomorrow. With GlobalLogic’s partnership, we can expand our reach, enrich learning experiences, and inspire young minds to drive the future of technology and societal progress.”

Since 2022, GlobalLogic’s STEM Innovation Lab journey has expanded significantly, beginning in Noida with 580 students, followed by Bangalore in 2023, reaching 980 students, and by 2024, scaling to four more labs nationwide. Today, six labs across India serve over 4,700 students, promoting access to STEM learning and innovation in education.

Educate to Empower, GlobalLogic’s CSR flagship initiative, is focused on providing tech-based education. The program supports the development of inclusive, equitable, and quality learning ecosystems by providing underprivileged students with access to advanced technologies, structured training, and real-world exposure. Through this initiative, GlobalLogic reinforces its commitment to co-creating societal impact and nurturing India’s next generation of changemakers.

About GlobalLogic

GlobalLogic (www.globallogic.com) is a leader in digital engineering. We help brands across the globe design and build innovative products, platforms, and digital experiences for the modern world. By integrating experience design, complex engineering, and data expertise, we help our clients imagine what’s possible and accelerate their transition into tomorrow’s digital businesses. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, GlobalLogic operates design studios and engineering centres around the world, extending our deep expertise to customers in the automotive, communications, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, media and entertainment, semiconductor, and technology industries. GlobalLogic is a Hitachi Group Company operating under Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), which contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business.

Wipro's Innovation Lab Launches Its Own Think Tank

Wipro's innovation lab, Lab45, has launched a Think Tank for Change Leaders. This initiative is designed to support leaders who are in positions of influence across enterprises, government, and academia.

The program aims to help these leaders explore how emerging technologies can transform their organizations and industries, and even address complex social and environmental challenges.

The Think Tank by Lab45 focuses on the impact of emerging and exploratory technologies like GenAI, Space Tech, Spatial and Quantum Computing, IoT, and more, on business, people, and the planet. It provides a platform for Change Leaders to predict future trends, establish a solid evidence base for success, and galvanize crucial allies and organizations to advance their cause.

For those interested, Lab45 is offering an inaugural cohort of Change Leader membership free for a trial period of 6 months, with only 10 seats, available. This is a significant opportunity for leaders looking to leverage technology for meaningful change. If you're interested in this program, you might want to check out their website for more information or to express your interest.

To help speed up the development and implementation of emerging technologies, Think Tank will also work with select early-stage startups to provide them with an 8-week compelling enterprise readiness program. Upon completion, the Think Tank team will carefully curate connections with Wipro’s global customer base, accelerating both the startups as well as Wipro customers' innovation journey.

Lab45 will celebrate its Think Tank’s worldwide launch on April 30th at Wipro’s Silicon Valley Innovation Centre, led by Wipro CTO, Subha Tatavarti, and special guest, best-selling author and entrepreneur, Guy Kawasaki, who said, "I'm happy to be speaking at the upcoming launch of Think Tank by Lab45 at Wipro. I will be sharing my thoughts on what it takes to be a remarkable leader in this new era of AI."

You can click here to register for the live stream and get further insights by listening to their podcast here.

LTIMindtree and Farmers Edge Launch Farmers Edge Innovation Lab (FEIL) in Mumbai

Farmers Edge and LTIMindtree Unveil FEIL – Mumbai: A Pioneering Agricultural Innovation Hub Redefining Farming in India

Farmers Edge, a pure-play digital agriculture company, and LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, today announced the launch of the Farmers Edge Innovation Lab (FEIL) in Mumbai.

The newly launched innovation hub, powered by Fairfax Digital Services, is set to redefine agriculture in India. By integrating cutting-edge AgTech with global digital solutions expertise FEIL will secure early victories and tangible results, laying the foundation for scaling generative AI projects.

Farmers Edge brings advanced capabilities in remote sensing and agronomic modeling, empowering farmers, and enterprise clients with unparalleled insights. Partnering with LTIMindtree, FEIL is poised to create a nexus of expertise and knowledge exchange between North America and India. LTIMindtree’s advanced technologies that includes GenAI, IoT, Automation, and Drones, will work towards elevating farming in the country to provide high crop yields at low input costs. The launch of this innovation lab marks a significant milestone in the evolution of agriculture in India, setting the stage for a future where technology and tradition would harmonise to drive prosperity in the fields.

FEIL’s mission is to educate and empower India’s farmers, providing tailored solutions that enhance yields, reduce costs, and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Indian agriculture. The lab will focus on key aspects crucial to the Indian market such as:Weather: Analysing weather patterns and their impact on crop production.
Soil: Ensuring a comprehensive understanding for maximising yields while improving soil health.
Crop Cycles: Assisting farmers in optimising field processes to add significant value to the agricultural value chain.

Speaking on the occasion, Vibhore Arora, CEO of Farmers Edge, expressed, “We are thrilled to lead such an incredible initiative for India’s agriculture with LTIMindtree. This is more than just an innovation hub, FEIL-Mumbai will provide the necessary support to the agricultural revolution, creating sustainable and efficient, data-driven solutions tailored to the specific needs of Indian farmers.”

Nachiket Deshpande, Whole-Time Director & COO, LTIMindtree said, “At LTIMindtree, our efforts to build solutions are always focused on fostering an ecosystem where ideas and innovations flourish. With the launch of this innovation lab, our best talent and technology will revolutionise sustainable farming in India.”

“Creative Innovation Lab is a great step forward to bring global technology in India to support sustainable farming practices and enhancing farmers’ yield. Aligned with UN SDG Goal #2, Farmers Edge (a Fairfax Company) and LTIMindtree are poised to uplift the food supply chain, keeping sustainability at heart. As a Co-Chair of G20 Startup 20 Sustainability Task Force, I am very pleased to witness how digital technology is truly creating an impact on the ground, quite literally,” said Sanjay Tugnait, President, and CEO of Fairfax Digital Services.

As a testament to the international collaboration, Farmers Edge and LTIMindtree are facilitating the cross-pollination of best practices from North America to India. The specific goals include sustainability, yield enhancement, and cost reduction for Indian farmers. FEIL – Mumbai aims to create a tailored setup, focusing on weather, soil, and crop cycles unique to the Indian agricultural landscape.

Coming Soon India's Own Semiconductor R&D Lab Equivalent to IMEC, ITRI and MIT Micro-Electronic Labs

Soon India will have its own semiconductor R&D and innovation laboratory called — India Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) —which will be at par with world's renowned institutions like IMEC, NanoTech, ITRI, and the MIT Micro-electronic labs which have been the pioneers of every cutting-edge technology in the world. 

For an uninitiated, IMEC is a Belgium based world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. ITRI is a Taiwan based innovation and R&D lab. While, MIT Micro-Electronics Laboratory or the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Microelectronics Laboratory is the U.S. government's most capable semiconductor research and fabrication facility.

To come up with semiconductor research institute equivalent to the ones mentioned above, MeitY had formed a India Semiconductor R&D Committee back in 2021 and now in a latest the committee has handed over the report on the India Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) to Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

While appreciating the efforts made by the members of India Semiconductor R&D Committee, the Minister said, “After months of dedicated research, India Semiconductor R&D Committee has laid out a roadmap of ISRC, realizing what can be the architectural design of PM Modi’s vision for the semiconductor ecosystem. After being absent from the semiconductor ecosystem for decades and missing many opportunities, we are now playing catch up. This institution will be a core institution in India’s growing capabilities in semiconductors. It will be the Indian equivalent of IMEC, Nano Tech, ITRI and the MIT Micro-electronic labs which have been the pioneers of every cutting-edge technology in the world.”

Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar acknowledged the contributions of all Committee members in comprehensively identifying the pillars of ISRC including – Advanced Silicon, Packaging R&D, Compound/ Power Semiconductor and Chip design & EDA.

“The ISRC report is part of a decadal strategy, that will significantly impact India, our young Indian scientists, researchers, and startups. It aligns with the PM's vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’. In the next 4-5 years, the ISRC will become one of the leading semiconductor research institutions in the world,” the Minister further added.

In December 2021, the Indian government committed an impressive Rs 76,000 crore (~US$10 billion) to catalyse the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.

The Minister also mentioned that ISRC is part of a graded approach that the Government is taking to make India a global semiconductor research and innovation hub. The unveiling of the report on the India Semiconductor Research Centre (ISRC) signifies India’s commitment to drive innovation and strategy, propelling India to be at the forefront of the global semiconductor landscape.

The ISRC envisions the establishment of a world-class research institution focusing on semiconductor processes, advanced packaging, compound semiconductors and Fabless design and EDA tools. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, ISRC aims to nurture a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. It is expected to facilitate seamless transfer from lab to fab, bridging the gap between research and manufacturing.

The ISRC plans to invest strategically, focusing on achievable technology nodes and fostering collaborations with global research centres, academia and industry. The initiative aims to transform the centres of Excellence in India’s academic institutions into globally competitive entities, attracting global companies to India.

It aims to establish India as a global foundry supplier for semiconductors, packaging, and integrated systems, from design to products. By investing in cutting-edge research, education, and collaboration, India is poised to transform its semiconductor landscape and secure a prominent position on the semiconductor map of the world.

Delhivery Launches an Innovation Lab to Provide a Platform to Emerging Tech Startups in Logistics

In a move that reiterates their commitment to developing differentiated technology solutions, Delhivery Private Limited (Delhivery), a leading logistics and supply chain company in India, has partnered with Mumbai-based Startup Réseau, a specialized operator of industry-backed accelerator programs, to launch the Delhivery innovation lab.

Delhivery's core business differentiator has been its consistent focus on integrating Technology in a largely traditional sector like Logistics. The innovation lab is an extension of the company's overall objective of developing smart solutions for businesses and the sector at large.

The initiative will catalyze Indian entrepreneurs and the startup community to develop smart solutions in logistics and supply-chain and tap into the massive opportunities offered by digital technology.

Kapil Bharati, Co-Founder, and Chief Technology Officer, Delhivery, said, "The scale and growth of Delhivery has been achieved through investments in infrastructure, network engineering and an extensive network of partners, orchestrated by our in-house logistics platform. We work with multiple partners from startups to tech companies, to leverage their products and prototypes to continuously improve our systems. This accelerator program is our attempt to make this process structured and open to a large community of tech entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, we are looking to collaborate with enterprising startups working on developing Machine Learning, Machine Vision, AI, and IoT solutions for pre-defined business cases."

Ajay Ramasubramaniam, Founder & CEO, Startup Réseau, said: "Delhivery is built on the backbone of technology, and we feel that this is a great opportunity for emerging tech startups to collaborate. We have identified key business areas in which we are looking for solutions that are pilot-ready. In addition to operating a structured POC-led accelerator program, we also aim to discover interesting tech solutions for the logistics and supply chain industry. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to enabling some great success stories."

The Objective of Delhivery Innovation Labs is to enable technology partnerships, strategic engagements, and proof-of-concept development on pre-defined use cases with emerging tech startups. Delhivery Innovation Labs is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort, which will go live in November 2021.

About Delhivery

Delhivery is a leading end-to-end logistics and supply chain services company in India. With its nationwide network covering over 18061 pin codes the company provides a full suite of logistics services such as express parcel transportation, LTL and FTL freight, reverse logistics, cross-border, B2B & B2C warehousing, End-to-end supply chain services, and technology services. Delhivery has successfully fulfilled over 1 billion shipments since its inception. For more information about Delhivery, please visit www.delhivery.com.

About Startup Reseau

Startup Réseau has a core expertise in setting up and operating startup bootcamps, corporate accelerator & innovation programs, and entrepreneurship linked initiatives in emerging markets across India, South East Asia and Africa. All programs are built around an ultimate global network of Enterprises, Capital, Markets and Services for Startups. Learn more about Startup Réseau on www.startupreseau.com