The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has received a substantial endowment of Rs. 110 crore from distinguished alumnus Sunil Wadhwani. The endowment aims to establish the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, marking a significant milestone for the institute. Sunil Wadhwani, Co-founder of IGATE and Mastech Digital, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti. The ceremony, attended by faculty, students, alumni, and researchers, highlighted the commitment to positioning the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI among the world's top institutions dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI).

The interdisciplinary nature of the school involves collaboration among faculty from various departments, focusing on niche areas such as Responsible AI. Director V. Kamakoti expressed gratitude for Sunil Wadhwani's generous donation, emphasizing the critical need for a school dedicated to data science and AI in the era of Industry 4.0.

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI aspires not only to excel in AI-focused education but also to provide advisory services to the government and policymakers on matters related to data science and AI policies. Director V. Kamakoti underscored the importance of addressing the evolving landscape shaped by AI and data science, making responsible and ethical considerations a central focus.

Sunil Wadhwani, through his family foundation, the Wadhwani Impact Trust, has a history of supporting social welfare, affordable healthcare, and scientific research. His contributions include the establishment of the Wadhwani Institute of Sustainable Healthcare (WISH Foundation) and the Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence (WIAI).

Expressing his commitment to advancing AI and its social impact, Sunil Wadhwani shared his honor in contributing to his alma mater. He highlighted the need for a specialized school in data science and AI, emphasizing the potential for India to become a global leader in these fields. As a proud alumnus, Wadhwani expressed his gratification in associating with IIT Madras and contributing to the advancement of foundational and applied research in AI and related sciences.