Vertiv and IIT Bombay Partner to Develop Cooling Solutions for AI-Driven Data Centers
In a significant move to address the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This collaboration aims to develop innovative cooling solutions specifically tailored for data centers that handle AI-driven applications.
The Need for Advanced Cooling Solutions
As AI technologies proliferate across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, the demand for high-performance computing facilities has surged. These facilities require robust thermal management systems to ensure uninterrupted operations while managing the increased heat generated by intensive processing loads.
The partnership between Vertiv and IIT Bombay seeks to address these challenges by leveraging advanced cooling technologies that enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Details of the Collaboration
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, and Subhasis Majumdar, Managing Director of Vertiv India. This collaboration builds upon Vertiv’s ongoing engagement with academic institutions across India, focusing on skills development in data center operations.
Innovative Technology: Rotating Contacting Disk (RCD)
At the heart of this partnership is the Rotating Contacting Disk (RCD) system developed by IIT Bombay. This innovative technology is designed to improve cooling efficiency by reducing air-side pressure drops compared to conventional precoolers. Key benefits of the RCD system include:
- Lower fan power consumption, leading to reduced energy costs.
- Enhanced water efficiency, supporting sustainable operations.
- Higher cycles of concentration, allowing for the use of recycled or seawater.
The RCD technology has previously been licensed for various applications, including wastewater vaporization and carbon dioxide scrubbing, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in different contexts.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
Dr. A. S. Prasad, Vice President of Product Management and Engineering at Vertiv, emphasized the importance of this collaboration by stating, “By combining IIT Bombay’s deep scientific insights with Vertiv’s global engineering expertise and our real-time learnings from thousands of operating data centers, this collaboration will help prepare the next generation to be better equipped with industry-relevant knowledge.”
Prof. Shireesh Kedare echoed this sentiment, noting, “Our collaboration with Vertiv enables us to take research from labs to solutions with direct industrial relevance. As AI and high-performance computing systems evolve, there is a pressing need for approaches that are both technically robust and future-ready.”
Impact on the Industry
The partnership between Vertiv and IIT Bombay is poised to have a significant impact on the digital infrastructure landscape in India. As data centers evolve to meet the demands of AI workloads, the need for efficient cooling solutions becomes increasingly critical. This collaboration not only aims to enhance the performance of data centers but also to contribute to the sustainability of operations through improved energy and water efficiency.
Furthermore, by focusing on skills development and industry-relevant research, this initiative will help bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing a new generation of engineers and professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of modern data center operations.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Vertiv and IIT Bombay marks a significant step forward in addressing the cooling needs of AI-driven data centers. By harnessing innovative technologies like the RCD system, this partnership aims to create more efficient, sustainable, and reliable data center operations. As the demand for AI continues to grow, such initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that infrastructure can keep pace with technological advancements.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025 and may be subject to change as new developments occur.
