Persistent, IIT Kharagpur tie up to push enterprise AI from pilot to scale
On May 5, 2026, Persistent Systems, a mid-tier IT services company, announced a significant collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-K) aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in the enterprise sector. This partnership is marked by the establishment of an AI Innovation Lab within IIT-K’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Objectives of the AI Innovation Lab
The AI Innovation Lab is designed with several key objectives in mind:
- Advancing Research: The lab will focus on pioneering research in AI, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors.
- Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration: By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the lab aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Creating AI-Ready Talent: One of the primary goals is to develop a skilled workforce equipped to handle the growing demands of AI in various industries.
Focus Areas of the Lab
The AI Innovation Lab will concentrate on developing domain-specific AI solutions across multiple sectors, including:
- Healthcare: Enhancing patient care and operational efficiency through AI-driven solutions.
- Education: Utilizing AI to personalize learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.
- Financial Services: Implementing AI for better risk management, fraud detection, and customer service.
Additionally, the lab will prioritize the creation of secure and responsible AI systems to ensure ethical practices in AI deployment.
Infrastructure and Resources
Persistent Systems has committed to providing advanced computational and research infrastructure to support both theoretical and applied work within the lab. This infrastructure will facilitate:
- System Development: Building robust AI systems that can be deployed in real-world scenarios.
- Real-World Deployment: Ensuring that solutions developed in the lab can be effectively implemented in industry settings.
The initiative is expected to enhance Persistent’s AI capabilities through the development of reusable frameworks, domain insights, and a pipeline of trained talent.
Broader Collaboration and Engagement
This partnership is not just limited to the lab’s immediate objectives; it also aims to serve as a platform for broader collaboration among various stakeholders, including:
- Academia: Engaging with other educational institutions to share knowledge and resources.
- Industry: Collaborating with businesses to align research with market needs.
- Policy Stakeholders: Working with policymakers to shape regulations and standards for AI deployment.
- International Research Engagement: Establishing connections with global research communities for cross-disciplinary work.
Statements from Leadership
In discussing the collaboration, Anand Deshpande, founder, chairman, and managing director of Persistent Systems, emphasized the importance of original research and deep engineering in realizing India’s AI potential. He stated, “India’s AI promise will be built on original research and deep engineering focused on real-world problems.”
Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay, dean of alumni affairs at IIT Kharagpur, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the collaboration would infuse industry perspectives into the academic ecosystem, providing students with exposure to real-world challenges.
Alignment with Industry Needs
The announcement of the AI Innovation Lab comes at a time when there is a pressing demand for skilled AI professionals. Persistent Systems recently reported a robust performance in the March quarter, with a net profit increase of approximately 34% year-on-year, reaching ₹529 crore, and revenue growth of about 25% to over ₹4,000 crore. This growth has been driven by sustained demand for AI-led and digital engineering services across various sectors, including banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), healthcare, and technology.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Persistent Systems and IIT Kharagpur marks a significant step towards scaling enterprise AI from pilot projects to full-scale deployment. By establishing the AI Innovation Lab, both organizations aim to enhance research, foster talent, and develop solutions that address real-world challenges across multiple sectors. This initiative not only strengthens the industry-academia link but also positions India as a key player in the global AI landscape.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest available data and developments as of May 2026.
