Gorakhpur University to set up AI laboratory worth 1.5 crore under PM USHA Scheme

Moving forward in a major way to enhance top-level technological education and innovation, the authorities of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University have started the process to open an advanced Artificial Intelligence lab. This lab is expected to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore. The proposed project will be implemented under PM-USHA.

Budget Allocation: The University Grants Commission, or UGC, has allocated a total amount of Rs 100 crores to the university in PM-USHA funds. Of this, Rs 3 crores have been allocated for the ‘soft component’ in particular for the development of student skills. It is in these allocated budget details that the AI lab would be formed.

Preparation:

A team has been developed to prepare the blue print of the laboratory. As a part of the planning activity, the university team has recently visited NIELIT Deemed University to analyze their setup and technical perspective.

Advanced Infrastructure and Capabilities

“The aim of the new laboratory is to offer world-class technical infrastructure to provide a new direction for organised research and innovation. Key technical aspects are:”

Centralised Server: There will be a centralised GPU server that has a high capacity, which would form the backbone for training large models, deep learning, and complex data analysis.

Workstations: It will have 7 to 11 workstations featuring GPUs, thus enhancing computing capabilities at the university.

Academic Influence and Future Outlook

This lab is anticipated to launch systematic research activities at a high level at this university. Benefits for the Students: This will directly benefit students enrolled in the existing courses like B. Tech (AI) and MS (AI). Centre of Excellence: The proposed plan has envisioned the establishment of the lab as a Centre of Excellence in the future. As per this plan, the university aims to emerge as an active player in technical education and research in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Official Statement Vice-Chancellor of Gorakhpur University, Prof. Poonam Tandon, said, "The AI lab will come up through sanctioned budgets from the PM-USHA scheme. This lab will be developed as a ‘Center of Excellence’ in the future. This will help the university to establish itself as a ‘Center for Technical Education, Research, and Innovation for eastern Uttar Pradesh’. This will be a big achievement for our students."