Bengaluru, 15 February 2025 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming societies, revolutionising industries, and reshaping the future of work and innovation. Recognising the pivotal role AI will play in driving national progress, the Government of India has outlined an ambitious vision to position the country as a global leader in AI and emerging technologies. To achieve this, it is imperative that universities foster and build deep expertise in AI, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to this technological evolution.
In alignment with this national vision, GITAM (Deemed to be University) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sirena Technologies. This partnership marks a significant milestone in industry-academia collaboration. It will lead to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Robotics & AI Research and Development Centre at GITAM Bengaluru. This will be the first company-led R&D unit on campus, adding to GITAM’s existing 15 research labs and setting a new benchmark for integrated learning and innovation.
The R&D centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, product development, and hands-on training in robotics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. This collaboration aims to:
- Conduct groundbreaking research and foster innovation in robotics and AI.
- Provide valuable internship and employment opportunities for GITAM students.
- Offer faculty development programmes to enhance educators’ skills in AI and related fields.
- Organise workshops, seminars, and conferences to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Explore joint research initiatives and funding opportunities with government and private sectors.
Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Hari Bojan, CEO of Sirena Technologies, stated, “Our growth plans are deeply rooted in the need for highly talented AI engineers. Establishing this R&D centre at GITAM Bengaluru is a strategic step towards nurturing the next generation of AI innovators who will drive our technological advancements.”
Over the next five years, Sirena Technologies plans to train and recruit students across multiple disciplines through a structured internship-to-employment pipeline. Graduates selected for employment can expect significant growth opportunities, reflecting GITAM’s commitment to applied education and industry-aligned learning.
Prof. KNS Acharya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of GITAM Bengaluru, remarked, “This collaboration with Sirena Technologies aligns perfectly with our vision to integrate industry-driven research with academic excellence. It will create unmatched opportunities for our students and faculty while strengthening our standing as a leader in robotics and AI education.”
The Sirena R&D Centre at GITAM Bengaluru will function as an extension of Sirena Technologies’ main research facility in Bangalore, ensuring alignment with global industry standards. This initiative is set to drive innovation, strengthen India’s robotics ecosystem, and position GITAM as a frontrunner in emerging technology education.