IIT Madras Pravartak launches ‘Centre for Human-Centric AI’ to amplify Human Potential

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has launched a ‘Centre for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence’ (CHAI) to harness AI to amplify human potential, which could be a critical opportunity for India.

The Centre’s activities will include technology development, aiding entrepreneurship development, human resource development, and international collaborations. 

AI safety is a key and growing concern among policymakers and regulators. It is crucial to strike a balance between regulations and innovation. This newly-launched centre will help identify risks to inform future regulations, ensuring that India’s AI development is safe and responsible, especially in the Indian context while maximising innovation.   

IIT-M Pravartak, the parent organisation of this centre, is already working on projects of National importance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Indian Parliament (via Sansad TV) and the Indian Army.

The centre was launched on 14th November 2024 at IIT Madras Research Park in the presence of Lt.Gen. KS Brar, AVSM, GoC Dakshin Bharat, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Dr. M.J. Shankar Raman, CEO, IIT-M Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Prof. Gaurav Raina, Chief Scientist, CHAI, students, researchers and other stakeholders.

Setting the expectations for this Centre, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Human Centric AI Systems seem to be the most convincing ones for the end-users to adopt.  Developments in CHAI will look at various aspects of deployment of AI systems, specifically from explainability and responsibility points of view”

Speaking on the occasion, Lt.Gen. KS Brar, AVSM, GoC Dakshin Bharat, said that the centre should focus on Empowering the future where AI serves humanity, enhancing lives and fostering a better world for all.

This new centre will collaborate with Central and State Government agencies, industry, start-ups and academic researchers to deliver solutions that enhance and amplify human potential in India. The solutions developed, and the lessons learned may also be applied in other countries.

The scope of the centre would be around three dimensions: enhancing human potential, protecting citizens and amplifying societal values which are embodied through culture and heritage.

Elaborating further, Prof. Gaurav Raina, the Chief Scientist at the Centre, who is also Faculty, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The focus of this Centre also aligns with the broad principles of Industry 5.0, which emphasises human-centricity and sustainability. The focus will be on translational research that leads to impactful solutions in the form of data sets, AI models, tools and AI applications in the areas aligned with the scope of the centre”.