In a boost to research, Goa varsity gets advanced AI lab

Panaji: An advanced artificial intelligence (AAI) laboratory was established at the Goa University campus within its research park unit. Vice-chancellor Harilal B Menon said the new facility will empower emerging scholars to advance in the field by taking up advanced research in AI and generating large-scale, high-quality datasets.The research park, nicknamed GURU, which operates from the science block of the Goa University, already includes a bio incubator, health incubator, and IT incubator. The park is planned as a forum for innovators in bioengineering and related fields, health, and IT, where their ideas will be validated and scaled up for commercialisation. Now, AI has been added to the spectrum of facilities available for scaling up for researchers.The AAI lab was set up as part of an MoU signed between Goa University and Sony Research India on Aug 14, making it the first industry-supported lab at the university. Menon said the MoU is also aimed at strengthening capacity in research, training and outreach through workshops, seminars and other educational activities.Researchers from Sony Research India will be invited to collaborate in joint research projects, deliver guest lectures, and provide guidance on AI research to support AAI’s initiatives, he said.

“Research initiatives will focus on advanced AI for multimodal data. This landmark engagement between Sony Research India and Goa University aims to strengthen research innovation and skill development in AI and allied domains in the long term at Goa University,” said Menon.Recently, Goa University began offering a two-year MSc course in artificial intelligence and an MSc programme in data science. Students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer applications, engineering in computer science or IT, or with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or electronics are eligible to apply for the MSc in artificial intelligence and MSc in data science.