The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at MIT Manipal, part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has partnered with Intel India to inaugurate the Intel Unnati – Artificial Intelligence Data-Centric Lab. The lab, launched on 24th January 2025, aims to provide upskilling opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for students and faculty members.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the MIT Manipal Library Auditorium, was attended by students, faculty, and university officials. Girish H, National Business Manager for HPC, Artificial Intelligence, and Unnati at Intel India, highlighted the importance of the Intel Unnati Initiative in bridging the gap between academia and industry. He emphasised the need for technological empowerment in India and Intel’s role in fostering innovation.
Lt. Gen Dr. MD Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, noted that the certification programs would cater to students and professionals across various disciplines, including health sciences, engineering, and hotel management. He stressed the program’s potential to prepare participants for the evolving digital industry.
Cmdr (Dr) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, underscored the importance of upskilling non-IT professionals in AI to adapt to global industrial changes. He described the certification program as a platform for professionals to stay relevant in a technology-driven ecosystem.
Prof. Nithesh Naik, Intel Unnati Program Coordinator, outlined the program’s structure, which includes courses tailored for engineering, health sciences, and other disciplines. He also highlighted the annual Industrial Training program, where students work on real-time problems under Intel’s mentorship.
Dr. Arunachal V Chandavar, Head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, emphasised the lab’s role in empowering students to adopt advanced technologies and enhance their skills.
The Intel Unnati Lab is part of Intel’s broader initiative to promote technology inclusion and provide access to advanced infrastructure for educational institutions. The program aims to broaden participants’ technical horizons in AI and ML, addressing the growing demand for expertise in these fields.