AI and Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK), an Indian government-funded not-for-profit organization, opened an ‘Innovation Lab’ at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to support researchers and start-ups working in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to build products that are ready to go to market.

The lab will focus on three areas—digital and physical connectivity using 5G and drones, making healthcare services available at people’s doorsteps, and using AI for inclusive learning, as per reports.

Umakant Soni, chief executive officer, ARTPARK says, “in the age of AI, knowledge will be everywhere. Students won’t have to cram information anymore and can focus on applying it to create things. Similarly, healthcare should be available everywhere and not just in hospitals.”

According to reports, start-ups currently struggle to take technology from labs to the market, which is a key gap for the industry.

Subhashis Banerjee, chief information officer, ARTPARK, “primarily, we are trying to create successful companies out of India which will solve problems, create jobs, and ultimately export to the world.”

According to reports, to support start-ups and products incubated at labs, ARTPARK has set aside a $100 million fund. The lab has technical teams working in collaboration with multiple labs at IISc. It will also work with other technical institutes and bodies, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, IIT Jodhpur, and the University of Aalto in Finland, Indian Council of Medical Research and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

“Our Indian academics have produced talent that now heads several leading tech companies. The next phase of growth requires that we encourage such talent to stay in India and convert their research into products and companies. Then only we will grow from a $3 trillion to $10 trillion economy. Once we convert the research that is happening into interesting products and companies, then we will support them with the $100 million venture fund over a period of 10-12 years," Soni adds.