Jitendra Singh Inaugurates AI Centre of Excellence at Graphic Era University

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the “Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Skill Development, and Innovation” at Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Uttarakhand, on 16 September 2025. The landmark facility, spread over 1.5 lakh sq. ft., is the first of its kind in the state, equipped with cutting-edge AI and high-performance computing infrastructure.

Integrity Must Guide AI, Says Minister

In his inaugural address, Dr. Singh underscored the urgent need for integrity and ethical responsibility in the application of artificial intelligence.

“AI can create miracles if used judiciously, but without integrity it can also be misused, as seen in the rise of deepfakes and misinformation. Integrity has no technological substitute,” he warned.

He advocated for a hybrid model where AI acts as a complement to human intelligence rather than a replacement, stressing that ethical choices, accountability, and human judgment must remain at the core of technological innovation.

World-Class AI and HPC Facilities

The new Centre includes:

• An Apple iOS Development Centre, established in collaboration with Apple and Infosys.

• Uttarakhand’s first NVIDIA AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) facility, powered by an NVIDIA DGX B200 system with 8 GPUs and 1.74 TB GPU memory.

• A research ecosystem developed at a cost of over ₹10 crore, aimed at advancing AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture, environment, smart cities, and advanced industries.

This facility will act as a national hub for AI innovation, fostering skill development, entrepreneurship, and academic-industry collaboration, in line with flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Skill India.

Graphic Era’s Leap in Education Technology

Graphic Era University, ranked 48th in the NIRF 2025 rankings and accredited with NAAC A+, has positioned itself as India’s first Generative AI Ready Campus powered by AWS. With this Centre, the university aims to prepare students for future-ready careers while nurturing research and startups in emerging technologies.

AI for Social Good: Telemedicine and Governance

Dr. Singh drew from real-world applications of AI, citing AI-enabled telemedicine vans deployed in rural India. These hybrid AI-human models have delivered healthcare services to villages where residents had never before seen a doctor.

He linked such innovations to governance, noting how AI could improve grievance redressal systems, enhance efficiency, and build citizen trust — but only when combined with accountability and transparency.

India’s Global Technological Momentum

Reflecting on India’s technological journey, Dr. Singh contrasted the country’s earlier late adoption of television with its current leadership in space exploration, AI, and quantum research. He highlighted the importance of linking academic research with industry and startups to sustain this momentum.

“Every tool has a self-limiting utility if integrity is compromised. Only when we combine innovation with honesty can we truly shape India’s digital future,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead

The Centre of Excellence at Graphic Era is expected to become a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, nurturing talent and equipping India’s youth to lead in global AI advancements. It represents not just a technological leap, but also a cultural commitment to embedding ethics and responsibility at the heart of India’s digital revolution.