MAHE Launches MAGIC Platform to Integrate AI Agents in Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today announced the launch of MAGIC (MAHE Agentic Intelligent Console), a major step in its digital transformation journey designed to introduce AI-powered agentic systems across both academic and administrative ecosystems of the university. The launch of MAHE MAGIC marks a significant milestone in MAHE’s technology-driven evolution. The MAGIC platform represents the university’s transition from traditional reactive digital systems to proactive AI-enabled systems, enabling automation, intelligent insights, and improved decision-making for faculty, students, and administrators. The initiative builds on MAHE’s digital transformation program initiated in 2023 to modernise institutional processes and services.

The initiative is being implemented by Manipal Academy of Higher Education in collaboration with leading global technology partners, including Microsoft, Salesforce, Deloitte, PwC, and Hitachi.

MAHE Introduces ‘MAGIC’ to Power AI-Driven Academic and Administrative Transformation

Senior leadership from MAHE, technology partners, faculty representatives, and administrative teams participated in the initiative rollout and strategic discussions around the adoption of AI-driven platforms in higher education.

MAGIC is designed to introduce intelligent AI agents across critical university functions. The system will initially deploy five AI agents within the Student Life Cycle Management (SLCM) platform, enabling automated support for routine academic processes such as timetable creation, attendance management, exam planning, and performance insights. Beyond academics, AI agents will also transform operational workflows across admissions, procurement, finance, HR, and support services, helping reduce processing time, improve efficiency, and enhance user experience.

The platform will also introduce research-support agents capable of scanning academic databases, summarising literature, and suggesting citations, enabling researchers to focus on innovation rather than administrative tasks.

"In addition, AI-driven systems will support prospective students by streamlining admissions and application processing, and offering selective candidate issuance within minutes." AI-powered support agents will also provide 24/7 assistance, reducing wait times and improving response efficiency.

MAHE plans to deploy more than 50 AI agents across academic and administrative functions over the next two years, creating an integrated AI ecosystem within the university.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “MAGIC represents a transformative step in our digital evolution. By integrating agentic AI across our academic and administrative ecosystems, we aim to create a proactive and intelligent university environment where technology supports both educators and learners in achieving excellence.”

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, South Asia at Salesforce, said, “The integration of AI agents within higher education institutions like MAHE showcases the potential of intelligent digital platforms to transform learning, research, and institutional operations. We are proud to support MAHE in building an AI-driven ecosystem that empowers students, faculty, and administrators.”

Ashwin Ballal, Leader, Deloitte India, said, “MAHE’s MAGIC initiative represents a forward-looking step in the digital evolution of higher education institutions. By integrating agentic AI into core academic and administrative systems, MAHE is building a scalable, intelligent ecosystem that enhances efficiency, decision-making, and the user experience for students, faculty, and administrators. We are proud to support MAHE in this transformative journey.”

With the launch of MAGIC, MAHE is strengthening its position as a technology-driven global university, advancing towards a future where AI, automation, and emerging technologies such as quantum computing will play a central role in higher education.

The initiative reinforces MAHE’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and enhanced academic experiences, enabling students and faculty to collaborate with intelligent systems and shaping a new model for digitally empowered universities.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

MAHE Establishes Quantum-Hub@MAHE to Advance India’s Indigenous Quantum Hardware Ecosystem

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Quantrolox to establish the Quatum-Hub@MAHE in Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru in presence of other partners in Bengaluru on March 5, 2026. From Left to Right - Dr. S D Sudarsan – Executive Director, CDAC, Mr. Vishal Chatrath – CEO, Co-founder, QuantrolOx, Finland, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh – Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan – Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru,  Dr. Iven Jose – Director, MIT Bengaluru

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, today formally instituted Quantum-Hub@MAHE (Q-HUB@MAHE) at Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, a university-led indigenous quantum hardware and open-architecture ecosystem aligned with the objectives of India’s National Quantum Mission.

Conceived as an integrated design-to-deployment platform, Q-HUB@MAHE brings together quantum hardware experimentation, Deep-Tech startup incubation, component innovation, workforce development, testing infrastructure, and translational research within a unified academic framework. The initiative is structured to strengthen India’s sovereign capability across the quantum value chain.

As part of this multi-campus deep-tech strategy, Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (MIT-BLR) will serve as the operational anchor for advanced hardware experimentation, cryogenic and RF infrastructure, and structured quantum engineering education and training.

The facility will commence operations with a 25-qubit dilution refrigeration (DR) open-architecture system designed for advanced training and experimentation. This marks the first phase of a structured roadmap progressing from sub-50 qubit training systems to 50–150 qubit proof-of-concept platforms and ultimately toward 150–1,000+ qubit industrial-grade quantum product systems.

Unlike access-based or vendor-locked deployments, Q-HUB@MAHE has been designed as an open-architecture ecosystem supporting indigenous component development, calibration systems, hardware integration, and scalable manufacturing pathways. The long-term vision includes indigenous Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) development, system miniaturisation, and industry-ready quantum hardware platforms.

The initiative was formalised through Memorandums of Agreement (MoA) with QuantrolOx (Finland) in association with Bluefors (Finland), QBLOX (Netherlands), ConScience (Sweden), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

These collaborations establish a structured Year-1 roadmap focused on workforce development, hardware experimentation, IP co-development, and national testing infrastructure aligned with the strategic pillars of the National Quantum Mission.

Q-HUB@MAHE has set a target of training 100 quantum engineers by December 2026 through a structured certification programme combining online modules, assessments, and hands-on laboratory immersion. The centre will also function as a national testing and measurement gateway, enabling researchers, startups, and industry partners to access advanced infrastructure. The physical facility is scheduled for inauguration in September 2026.

Leadership Perspectives

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE said:, “Q-Hub@MAHE reflects our commitment to building sovereign scientific capability aligned with the vision of the National Quantum Mission. By integrating research, hardware development, and workforce training within one ecosystem, we aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s leadership in advanced quantum technologies.”

Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru added, "With MIT Bengaluru serving as the operational centre, Q-HUB@MAHE will catalyse interdisciplinary collaboration, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and translational research. Our focus is to move from academic exploration to manufacturable quantum systems with real-world impact.”

Prof. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru explained, “Access to real quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, and RF infrastructure ensures that our students and researchers are not merely technology users but system builders. This is essential for developing India’s next generation of quantum engineers through the Manipal House of Quantum.”

Partner Perspectives

Mr. Vishal, QuantrolOx —“We are pleased to collaborate with Q-Hub@MAHE in advancing calibration and automation capabilities within an open-architecture framework.”

Dr. Sudarshan, C-DAC — “The objectives of Q-Hub@MAHE align closely with the National Quantum Mission’s priorities of supporting supply chain, creating deep-tech entrepreneurs and workforce creation.”

Dr. David Gunnarson, CTO, Bluefors, Finland, — "We are pleased to support Q-Hub@MAHE in establishing advanced cryogenic infrastructure for quantum hardware experimentation and scalable quantum systems." 

Dr. Niels Bultink, QBLOX, "This partnership supports scalable quantum control systems development in an academic-manufacturing ecosystem.”

Dr. Marcus Rommel, Conscience — “Q-Hub @ MAHE strengthens advanced quantum infrastructure with testing and characterization of different Quantum Processing Units (QPU) within India’s growing ecosystem.”

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Signs MoU With Anthem Biosciences to Boost Industry-Academic Research Opportunities

Signing of MoU

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Anthem Biosciences, Bangalore, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost industry-academic partnerships. The prime focus of the MoU is to explore and evaluate potential industry-academic research opportunities and educational services and provide industrial training and internship opportunities to the students.

Dr. Mahadev Rao, Professor & Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE, Manipal, said “It is our utmost privilege to be working alongside Anthem Biosciences. Our partnership aims to open avenues for students in the field of pharmacy practice, Medical & Clinical Operations, etc. for industry-academic research and provide them industrial training and internship to get real-time experience. We look for to this collaboration"

Anthem Biosciences is a CRISP (Contract Research and Innovation Service Provider) with the capacity to house over 1000 researchers and produce unique commercial medication actives. Anthem assists with drug testing for safety, efficacy (in vitro and in vivo), pre-clinical animal studies in a GLP facility, clone development, Antibody Drug Conjugates, R&D and manufacture of highly potent compounds, flow chemistry-based production, and large-scale commercial product manufacture, in addition to product research and development.

The MoU process was initiated by Dr. Mahadev Rao, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice, (Co-ordinator Translational Research Centre), Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS) along with Dr. Praveen Kumar Shetty, Head & General Manager, Medical & Clinical Operations, Anthem Biosciences, and Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar, MAHE, Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao, Principal, MCOPS.