MAHE, Microsoft and Hitachi Systems India leadership at the launch of the AI Lab at TAPMI Manipal
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has launched a partnership with Microsoft to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation across the academic ecosystem. The partnership will establish Microsoft Labs across five MAHE constituent units.Microsoft Labs will be established at TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal; TAPMI, Bengaluru; Manipal School of Commerce and Economics, Manipal; Manipal Institute of Commerce, Finance and Economics, Bengaluru; and Manipal Law School, Bengaluru.A media statement said the labs will provide students and faculty with access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning experiences, while supporting interdisciplinary research and industry-academia collaboration.Quoting HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, the statement said MAHE has always believed in staying ahead of change rather than reacting to it. The launch of these AI Labs, in partnership with Microsoft and Hitachi, is a continuation of that founding vision, building an institution where innovation and ethics advance together.Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said: “The MAHE-Microsoft partnership marks an important step in our journey towards creating a technology-enabled and future-ready higher education ecosystem. AI and cloud technologies are transforming the way we learn, work, and innovate, and it is essential that our students and faculty engage with these technologies through meaningful, hands-on experiences. The establishment of Microsoft Labs across five of our constituent institutions will strengthen opportunities for experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and innovation.”Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia, said India’s young talent has the potential to shape the next wave of AI-led innovation, and partnerships between academia and industry are critical to unlocking that potential. “Our collaboration with MAHE will bring students and faculty closer to the technologies, tools, and skills that are shaping the future of work,” he said.Raj Kamal Singhal, CEO of Hitachi Systems India, said the convergence of technology, education, and industry is essential to building the workforce and solutions needed for a rapidly evolving digital economy. “We are pleased to be part of this initiative with MAHE and Microsoft, which brings together academic expertise and industry capabilities to create meaningful opportunities for learning and innovation,” he said.Published on August 13, 2026
