Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and McGill University to launch Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research in India
February 28, 2026 | Saturday | News
The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and McGill University (Canada) have signed an MoU to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI education and research in India. The signing took place during an event attended by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, and Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.
The MoU was signed by Shyam S Bhartia and Hari S Bhartia of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, and Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.
What the Centre will do
The CoE is built to close the gap between classroom learning and industry needs, producing job-ready AI engineers and future research leaders. It will first offer a Master's programme that blends rigorous theory with applied learning and deep industry engagement.
- Students will work on projects tied to real technological challenges and emerging needs across India's AI ecosystem.
- The partnership will draw on McGill University's research-led AI strengths to connect advanced theory with implementation.
- The Centre will also operate as a research hub to develop AI solutions that support India's digital transformation.
Programme features educators should note
- High academic standards with measurable learning outcomes.
- Curriculum agility so content stays relevant as tools and practices change.
- Applied learning through live projects and industry case studies.
- Adoption of global best practices in AI research and innovation.
- Continuous assessment and mentorship from international faculty and leading industry experts.
Why this matters for education leaders
This model makes employability and research capability the core of the degree, not an afterthought. For deans, department heads, and curriculum leads, it signals a clear path: integrate live industry problems, evaluate applied skills continuously, and expose learners to global research standards.
- Review credit structures to support longer, mentored projects that mirror workplace demands.
- Establish or expand industry partnerships to source high-quality case studies and project briefs.
- Invest in faculty development to bring international research practices into seminars, labs, and assessments.
Who benefits
- Graduates in India preparing for AI engineering and research roles.
- Institutions seeking a clear model to modernize AI curricula with strong ties to industry.
- Employers looking for talent trained on real problems and evaluated on applied outcomes.
For background on McGill University, visit mcgill.ca. For educators planning curriculum updates, explore practical resources on AI for Education. You can also review national policy context at India's Ministry of Education: education.gov.in.
Your membership also unlocks:
