The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has partnered with philanthropists Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon to establish a new school focused on artificial intelligence, supported by an $11 million endowment.
NEW DELHI – The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with philanthropist and alumna Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and her husband, Ranjan Tandon, to create the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence. This initiative is backed by a substantial endowment of ₹100 crore, equivalent to approximately $11 million.
The agreement was formalized in New Delhi, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in attendance. India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, participated in the event virtually.
The newly proposed school will function as a specialized center within IIMA, focusing on artificial intelligence at the intersection of technology, management, and public policy. According to a statement, the school will emphasize real-world applications and societal impact.
During the event, Minister Pradhan highlighted that this agreement is in line with preparations for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026. He noted that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance India’s global standing in the field of artificial intelligence. Pradhan emphasized that India’s advancements in AI will rely heavily on robust institutions and skilled human capital, in addition to technological capabilities.
The minister also praised the philanthropic efforts of the Tandon family, stating that alumni-led initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening academic institutions and expanding national capacity in emerging technologies.
The Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence aims to serve as a hub for collaboration among faculty, industry leaders, policymakers, and global partners. Its mission will include the development of application-led and case-based AI research, with a strong focus on translating research findings into practical solutions for business, governance, and social sectors.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were Higher Education Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, IIMA Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Joint Secretary (Higher Education) Purnendu Banerjee, and other senior representatives from the ministry.
This significant investment in education and technology underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence in India and reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in this critical field, according to India West.