IIT Madras had inaugurated the ‘Centre for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence’ (CHAI). Launched under the aegis of the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, the center envisioned putting India at the forefront in safe and responsible AI development, with an inherent focus on Indian languages, culture, and societal values.

Driven by AI with a Human-Centric Approach

The CHAI initiative will be achieved by accomplishing three core goals such as developing human potential, creating safety in the citizens, and spreading societal values. The centre would basically deal with education, healthcare, financial services, transport, and cybersecurity. It intends to challenge cyber fraud and misinformation, meaning stronger democratic systems.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the role of AI in an ethical and context-sensitive manner. “This centre will help us innovate responsibly, ensuring that AI solutions are safe and aligned with the diverse needs of our society,” he said.

Pioneering AI Research and Development

The key research areas for CHAI will be the development of domain-specific small language models that cater to Indian languages and contexts. The opportunity is a great bet, considering making AI accessible to all communities in the country, while at the same time promoting global impact. In addition, the center shall focus on the responsible AI practices, addressing issues of concern such as privacy, bias, and ethics in AI development.

Empowering Students and Building AI Talent

This will make CHAI a site of student engagement, offering internships and research opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students across India. Under the co-guidance provided by the centre, students will be allowed hands-on experience in the cutting-edge AI projects, equipping them with the kind of capabilities needed to drive India’s AI revolution.

Lt. Gen. KS Brar, AVSM, GoC Dakshin Bharat, and other dignitaries attended the launch at IIT Madras Research Park. Speaking on the occasion, Dr M.J. Shankar Raman, CEO of IIT-M Pravartak Technologies Foundation said: “the centre will be involved in innovation and not sacrifice ethics for it.”

A Vision for Responsible AI

Combining technology development, entrepreneurship, human resource growth, and international collaborations, CHAI aims to create innovative and culturally and socially accountable AI solutions.

The initiative further underlines IIT Madras’s pursuit of fostering the ethical advancement of artificial intelligence in a sustainable and inclusive manner.