IIT Gandhinagar launches AI ARC Centre for climate risk studies
On February 6, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) announced the launch of its new AI Resilience and Command (ARC) Centre. This initiative aims to enhance climate-risk management and urban resilience through the application of advanced data-driven technologies.
Purpose of the ARC Centre
The ARC Centre has been established at the IIT Gandhinagar Research Park with the primary goal of improving decision-making processes related to climate and disaster management. The centre focuses on creating a robust connection throughout the disaster-management chain, which includes rainfall events and resilience planning. By integrating flood forecasting, mobility impact analysis, and operational decision support, the ARC Centre employs a unified physics-guided artificial intelligence framework.
Real-Time Flood Prediction and Risk Analysis
The ARC Centre utilizes a combination of physics-based modeling and artificial intelligence to facilitate real-time flood assessment and scenario analysis. This capability is crucial for providing decision-making support for urban infrastructure systems. The research initiative is backed by teams engaged in the AICoE project and AIResQ ClimSols Pvt Ltd, a deep-tech company incubated at IIT Gandhinagar.
Officials at the centre have stated that its tools enable faster simulations of climate risks, real-time flood forecasting, and exploration of various “what-if” disaster scenarios, all while maintaining scientific accuracy. The decision-support systems developed at the centre are designed to assist policymakers and urban planners in taking proactive and coordinated actions during climate emergencies.
Alignment with National Vision
The ARC Centre’s objectives align with India’s broader national vision of enhancing sustainable urban growth and safeguarding livelihoods. By employing advanced technologies, the centre aims to contribute significantly to building safer cities and improving disaster preparedness across the nation.
Importance of Technology-Driven Governance
During the launch event, senior government officials and researchers underscored the critical need for adopting scientific and data-driven approaches in governance and disaster management. They highlighted that advanced computational tools and automation can drastically reduce the time required to process large-scale climate data and generate effective solutions.
Dr. Vivek Kapadia, former Gujarat government secretary and current Professor of Practice at IITGN, emphasized the necessity of transitioning from ad hoc decision-making to structured, technology-backed systems. He noted that AI-based platforms can enhance governance efficiency and support inclusive and sustainable development.
Building Safer Cities and Sustainable Development
IIT Gandhinagar asserts that the ARC Centre will play a pivotal role in fostering anticipatory responses to climate threats, including floods and extreme weather events. The initiative is expected to significantly bolster disaster preparedness and urban resilience throughout India.
The centre plans to collaborate with various government agencies and research organizations to develop scalable climate-risk solutions utilizing AI-powered decision tools. This collaboration is expected to enhance the effectiveness of disaster management strategies and contribute to sustainable urban development.
Future Prospects
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges globally, initiatives like the ARC Centre at IIT Gandhinagar represent a proactive approach to addressing these issues. By leveraging artificial intelligence and data-driven methodologies, the centre aims to provide innovative solutions that can help mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters.
The establishment of the ARC Centre marks a significant step towards integrating technology into climate-risk management, ultimately leading to more resilient urban environments. As the centre progresses, it is anticipated that its findings and tools will not only benefit local communities but also serve as a model for other regions facing similar climate challenges.
Conclusion
The launch of the AI ARC Centre at IIT Gandhinagar signifies a commitment to advancing climate-risk management through innovative technologies. By focusing on real-time data analysis and decision support, the centre aims to enhance urban resilience and support sustainable development initiatives across India.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 2026 and may be subject to updates as the ARC Centre progresses in its initiatives.
