In a landmark moment for artificial intelligence education in India, the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII) opened its doors at Symbiosis International University‘s Lavale campus in Pune. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the inauguration ceremony on August 20, 2025, joined by distinguished guests including Padma Bhushan Dr. B. Majumdar, Dr. Vidya Yerawadekar, and SAII Director Prof. Dr. Loveleen Gaur.
What makes SAII truly special is its fresh take on AI education – think of it as AI for everyone, not just the coding wizards. Unlike traditional engineering-focused programs, SAII welcomes students from science, commerce, and arts backgrounds. It’s like opening a door that was previously locked to many curious minds. The institute exceeded expectations by enrolling nearly 190 students, far surpassing their initial target of 60 students.
The institute revealed an impressive multilingual AI assistant during the ceremony, capable of chatting away in English, Hindi, Marathi, Arabic, and French. This smart helper works round the clock, making it easier for students from different linguistic backgrounds to get the information they need – kind of like having a helpful friend who never sleeps and speaks five languages!
SAII’s academic offerings include both B.Sc. and B.B.A. programs in Artificial Intelligence, with options for honors and research tracks. Students can mix and match their interests – imagine combining AI with healthcare or blending it with finance. It’s like creating your own perfect academic smoothie, with AI as the base ingredient. The innovative curriculum supports a three-year core program with an optional fourth year for specialized research. The institute recognizes that universities must treat AI as critical infrastructure and embed AI fluency into their core curricula to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The institute’s vision extends beyond classroom walls, aiming to drive innovation that benefits both Maharashtra and India as a whole. With state-of-the-art labs and strong industry connections, SAII is preparing students for real-world challenges.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman and Prof. Dr. Loveleen Gaur, the institute is set to transform how we think about AI education. As the digital world evolves at lightning speed, SAII stands ready to shape the next generation of AI innovators – not just technical experts, but well-rounded professionals who can apply AI across various fields.
It’s like planting a garden where technology and traditional disciplines grow together, creating something entirely new.
