Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay announced that it has signed a deal with Columbia University, located in the US, to create a centre for artificial intelligence (AI) focused on manufacturing.

According to a statement from IIT Bombay, this centre focuses on collaborative research and translation to develop strong, scalable, and human-centered AI systems applicable to actual manufacturing.

The Ministry of Education has established four distinct AI centers to date.

The Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre for AI in Manufacturing marks an important advancement in enhancing India's manufacturing landscape via sophisticated, human-centered AI. IIT Bombay director Prof Shireesh Kedare stated that this initiative will aid in industry modernization, empower MSMEs, foster startups, and cultivate talent prepared for the future by establishing open and interoperable industrial AI infrastructure.

This collaboration demonstrates our dedication to nation building - establishing India as a worldwide leader in AI-driven manufacturing advancements, he stated.

Also Read: Lookback 2025: 7 Indian Companies That Drove Major Expansions

This newly established centre intends to focus on every aspect of manufacturing such as semiconductors, robotics, industrial production, process sectors like pharmaceuticals, food processing, refining and petrochemicals, construction and infrastructure advancement, along with transportation and logistics.

Utilizing the complementary capabilities of Columbia University and IIT Bombay across different areas, including fundamental AI, optimization, manufacturing, and process engineering, this center aims to create comprehensive, interoperable industrial AI systems that tackle shop-floor challenges like outdated machinery, inconsistent data, immediate constraints, and diverse workforces, according to the statement.

Also Read: Republic Day 2026: India's Tech Triumphs & Global Leadership

By collaborating closely with industry partners, this centre will provide applied research, tailored solutions, talent enhancement, and startup translation, while also making foundational datasets, models, and interfaces available as public resources to bolster India's diverse manufacturing ecosystem, including MSMEs.

Also Read: AI & Tech: Visionary Pre-Budget Insights from Industry Leaders

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, established as the second IIT in 1958, is globally acknowledged as a pioneer in engineering education and research. It is renowned for the excellence of its faculty and the remarkable quality of students completing its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The organization comprises 15 academic departments, 30 centers, one school, and five interdisciplinary programs.