Ashoka University said Sunil Vachani, Chairman of Dixon Technologies India Limited and Distinguished Founder and Trustee, will support the Vachani School of Advanced Computing, with Prof. Santanu Chaudhury appointed Dean as the university expands its computing, AI and interdisciplinary research plans.
Ashoka University has announced a major philanthropic commitment from Sunil Vachani that will support the launch of the Vachani School of Advanced Computing, a new academic initiative focused on computing, artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary research.
The university said the new school is intended to strengthen its capabilities in science, technology and AI through a model that combines technical learning with research across multiple disciplines. Named the Vachani School of Advanced Computing, the new centre is being positioned as a space where computer science, AI and data science will intersect with Ashoka University’s broader academic ecosystem.
According to the university, the school will encourage research that connects computing with biosciences, physical sciences, archaeology, economics and the humanities, moving beyond the structure of a conventional technical institute.
Sunil Vachani, Distinguished Founder and Trustee, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Ashoka University. By investing in science and interdisciplinary research, we hope to build a talent and innovation ecosystem that will serve the country for decades to come.”
As part of the expansion, Ashoka University has appointed Prof. Santanu Chaudhury as the Dean of the Vachani School of Advanced Computing. The university described the appointment as part of its wider effort to scale its ambitions in computing and AI.
Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, said, “The Vachani School will stretch the research frontiers in AI while incorporating the social sciences and humanities to design responsible, trustworthy systems. We expect our students to master the foundations of CS and Data Science while solving complex societal challenges.”
The university said the new school will include a Department of Data Science and AI alongside the existing Department of Computer Science. It will also house interdisciplinary research centres including the Centre for Digitalisation, AI and Society, the Centre for Data Science and Analytics, the Safexpress Centre for Data, Learning and Decision Sciences, and the Koita Centre for Digital Health at Ashoka, which is being developed jointly with the Trivedi School of Biosciences.
Ashoka University also said it will launch a new Maker Space and an Innovation Centre to help students convert theoretical work into practical technological solutions. It plans to offer up to 200 merit scholarships for top performers in national entrance exams, Olympiads and board examinations to attract students to its computer science and AI programmes.
A new Major in Computer Science and AI will also be introduced alongside the existing major in Computer Science and several interdisciplinary CS plus X majors. The university added that it will continue recruiting globally renowned faculty to expand its strength in allied technical disciplines.
Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Chairperson, Board of Trustees, said, “Ashoka was founded on a commitment to academic excellence. The Vachani family’s support and the appointment of Prof. Santanu Chaudhury as Dean represent a massive step forward in our journey to becoming a global hub for advanced computing.”
Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, Dean of VSAC, said, “As AI reshapes society, there is an urgent need to balance innovation with ethics and empathy. VSAC will focus on exploring the future of computing for a responsible humanity, ensuring efficiency never comes at the cost of our values.”
Ashoka University said it was established in 2014 and today has a community of more than 3000 students and over 20 dedicated Centres of Excellence. The university added that more than 57 percent of its students are women, over 47 percent are on scholarships, 4 percent are international scholars, and more than 100 are specially abled students.
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