AI skill lab to be established on campus to strengthen digital learning
SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Tuesday launched two new courses ‘AI for Agriculture’ and ‘AI for Future Workforce’ in collaboration with Intel India, marking a major step towards integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diverse fields of study and practice. The initiative is being coordinated by the varsity’s Department of Electronics & Instrumentation Technology. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between KU and Intel India on the occasion.
The newly introduced programmes are designed to train students and researchers in applying AI-based solutions to local and global challenges, particularly in areas like sustainable farming, food security, and workforce preparedness for emerging industries. The courses are part of Intel’s Digital Readiness Program and will be supported by the establishment of an AI Skill Lab at the campus, enabling hands-on training, innovation, and interdisciplinary research in the field.
Speaking at the launch of courses, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan said that the introduction of AI-driven courses with Intel India reflects the University’s vision of preparing students for future-ready skills while simultaneously addressing local and global challenges.
“This collaboration will help our students engage with new-age technologies, create socially impactful solutions, and make meaningful contributions to sectors like agriculture, workforce development, and engineering,” she said.
Registrar, KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, highlighted that the courses demonstrate the varsity’s commitment to skilling students with cutting-edge digital competencies to ensure they stay competitive in an evolving job market.
Shatarupa Dasgupta, National Program Manager, Intel Digital Readiness Program, said that the collaboration emphasizes the ethical use of AI and its role in building socially impactful solutions for the future.
Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, Head, Department of Botany, elaborated on the importance of AI in agriculture, noting that it can play a critical role in ensuring food security, combating hunger, and modernizing farming practices.
Prof. Mohammad Tariq Banday, Director, IoT Zakura Campus KU, highlighted that AI integration in engineering courses can help students develop innovative approaches to technological challenges and industrial applications.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Javaid Ahmad Sheikh, faculty at DEIT KU and coordinator of the programme, provided an overview of the collaboration, explaining its aims, objectives, and expected outcomes.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Shah, Director DIQA KU, and Dr. Farooq Ahmad Khanday, Head, DEIT KU.
The event was attended by various deans, heads of departments, faculty members, scholars, and students of the campus.