IIIT-Bangalore expands with new campus, B.Tech program and learning innovations

The International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIIT-B) is embarking on a significant expansion in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative includes establishing a new campus, launching a B.Tech program, and introducing Gooru Navigator, a personalized learning tool.

IIIT-B is setting up a new campus, IIIT-B East, on the outskirts of Electronic City Phase II. This new campus is part of IIIT-B’s strategic plan to broaden its academic offerings, infrastructure, and research capabilities. The campus is expected to be operational within the next two years.

Inaugural B.Tech Program

Starting this academic year, IIIT-B offers a B.Tech program specializing in Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. This program aims to prepare students with the skills needed to excel in these rapidly evolving fields.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, emphasized the significance of this new program, stating, "The introduction of the B.Tech program aims to prepare students with the skills needed to excel in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science & Engineering, and Electronics & Communication Engineering, addressing the rising demand for professionals in these fields."

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The B.Tech program is designed for students who have completed their twelfth-grade education or equivalent. Admission is based on the JEE Main 2024 exam, and candidates must have first-class marks in their 10+2 exams with Mathematics as a subject. Graduates can look forward to prestigious careers in leading technology companies.

Gooru Navigator: A GPS for Learning

In collaboration with Gooru Labs, IIIT-Bangalore has developed Gooru Navigator, an innovative tool designed to personalize learning experiences. Gooru Navigator comprehensively understands each learner's knowledge, interests, and mindsets, guiding users toward their educational goals.

Prof. Srinath Srinivasa, Dean (R&D) at IIIT-Bangalore, explained, "Gooru Navigator offers a novel shift in how we view learning by bringing the focus back on the learner. It uses AI to map learners' profiles and recommend activities, enhancing learning outcomes globally."

Gooru Navigator features personalized learning by:

• Precisely mapping learners' knowledge, interests, and mindsets.
• Using AI to update profiles, curate resources, and recommend activities.
• Combining human wisdom with AI to enhance learning experiences.

This tool is used globally to improve learning outcomes and teacher productivity. It is utilized in primary government schools across eight states in India, while Hong Kong Polytechnic University implements it in higher education courses. Other global applications include K12 schools in Lebanon and school districts in the US.

Research and Development Initiatives

IIIT-Bangalore has launched several new projects to bolster its research capabilities:

• Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI): This global, non-profit team provides free technical architecture advice to countries looking to build and scale Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI aims to address socio-economic challenges at scale through technology, public-private governance, and market innovation.
• Centre for Open Societal Systems (COSS): With Ekstep, COSS aims to drive societal transformation by promoting and utilizing open-source digital public goods (DPGs). The Centre facilitates, develops, maintains, and encourages the adoption of these DPGs.

Achievements and Recognitions

IIIT-Bangalore has made significant strides in various fields:

• MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform): This project facilitates the implementation of robust digital identity systems for governments. With its modular design and open-source approach, MOSIP has been adopted by 20 countries, registering over 120 million individuals as of May 2024. MOSIP also received the WSIS champion award in the e-governance category.
• Tele-MANAS Project: In collaboration with NIMHANS, IIIT-B’s E-Health Research Centre has facilitated over 10 lakh tele-mental health calls, providing services to remote areas and demonstrating a commitment to mental health empowerment.
• Top 10 Institute Recognition: IIIT-Bangalore was recognized among India’s Top 10 Institutes for its pioneering work in Data Science and AI, as per Emerging’s Digital Leaders Survey.
• 5G and 6G Research: The IIIT-B COMET Foundation is researching O-RAN 5G-Advanced base stations and Reconfigurable Intelligence Surfaces for 6G wireless communication.

About IIIT-Bangalore

Established in 1998 and situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, IT for Society, and broader IT and research areas. The institute is graded A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and secured the 74th ranking in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022. It was also ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today.

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IIIT-Bangalore boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly qualified faculty, a vibrant alum community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations. The institute’s specially designed courses ensure students are well-versed in current technologies and equipped to solve contemporary real-world problems. Consistently achieving excellent placement records, IIIT-Bangalore has earned strong industry support and maintains a growing pool of highly skilled alums.