Intel has launched the Intel Unnati Program, under which the chipmaker will set up 100 Unnati Data-Centric Labs in emerging technology across universities and engineering institutes in India.

This will help equip engineering students in India with industry-relevant, data-centric skills and provide the country’s higher educational institutions with long-term capabilities in technology and lab infrastructure, enabling a greater focus on research and innovation.

“Intel Unnati Data-Centric Labs will enable educational institutions to bridge the widening technology skill gap in the country, build industry-ready emerging technology competencies and provide strategic impetus to India’s digital economy transformation,” said Nivruti Rai, country head of Intel India and vice president of Intel Foundry Services.

Each Intel Unnati lab will include hardware and software stack recommendations from Intel, course content and co-branded course completion certificates for students. Currently, labs are available for artificial intelligence (AI), FPGA solutions and AI Internet of Things (AIIoT), with multiple other technologies in the pipeline including smart mobility and security.

“VIT-AP is involved in an active process of applied learning with the help of experienced faculty who enable the students to channel their talent and intellect to contribute towards the development and sustainability of society,” said SV Kota Reddy, vice chancellor at VIT-AP University. “Intel Unnati complements our current programs and curricula well, and I view it as a strong ally to realise our vision and build a research and innovation ecosystem that produces impactful work.”

The Intel Unnati Program has had a pilot run in 15 colleges, which are in the process of setting up Centres of Excellence on their campuses. Three of these labs are operational.