Symbiosis International University in Pune, India, has launched the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII- साई) to broaden AI education beyond traditional computer science and engineering fields. This initiative aims to make AI knowledge accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds, enabling them to innovate with this transformative technology.

The institute was inspired by a question from Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, who asked why AI knowledge should be limited to engineers. This question led to a re-evaluation of AI education, recognizing its potential applications across various sectors like healthcare and agriculture.

SAII will offer two undergraduate programs designed to integrate AI with other vital sectors: a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BSc-AI) and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Artificial Intelligence (BBA-AI). The BSc-AI program includes specializations in Health Sciences, Sports Sciences, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Agriculture. The BBA-AI program focuses on the use of AI in Financial Technologies, Marketing Technologies, Global Supply Chain Management, HR Technologies, and the Media & Creative Industries.

These programs aim to provide students with both technical AI proficiency and domain-specific insights, preparing them to be leaders and innovators. The curriculum emphasizes responsible, ethical, and creative AI application for societal benefit. Symbiosis also plans to collaborate with tech companies and research institutions to provide students with practical experience in real-world AI applications, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.

The conceptual roots of AI trace back to Alan Turing in the 1930s, with later contributions from pioneers like John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, and Claude Shannon. Their work laid the foundation for modern AI systems that perform complex tasks such as reasoning, learning, perception, and creativity.

Symbiosis seeks to expand AI literacy to foster innovation rooted in human values, viewing AI as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusivity. The university's mission is to cultivate skilled professionals and socially conscious leaders who use their knowledge for the greater good.

For more information about the Institute, visit https://saii.edu.in/.