IIT Kharagpur Outreach Network launches Texas AI learning centre in US

The Texas AI Learning Centre, established in collaboration with the IIT Kharagpur Outreach Network, was inaugurated at the Tagore Centre in Houston to promote artificial intelligence education, skill development and industry-focused solutions.

The centre was launched jointly by India’s Consul General in Houston, DC Manjunath; Tagore Centre Foundation co-founder and IIT Kharagpur Foundation President Dr Asoke Deysarkar; and IIT Kharagpur Director Prof Suman Chakraborty. The launch coincided with India’s 80th Independence Day and IIT Kharagpur’s 75th anniversary.

Manjunath highlighted the growing India-US technology partnership and said AI collaboration could create new opportunities for institutional cooperation. Recalling the year-long efforts behind the initiative, he expressed hope that the facility would eventually develop into a full-fledged overseas IIT outreach centre.

Chakraborty said the centre could evolve into a broader pan-IIT platform, bringing together alumni and global stakeholders to offer professional development programmes and work on complex industry challenges.

In a video message, US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz welcomed the academic collaboration, while HCL Technologies co-founder and IIT Kharagpur alumnus Arjun Malhotra pledged support for expanding the centre's reach.

The centre began operations with a two-day AI certificate bootcamp coordinated by Texas A&M University professor Dr Debyajoti Banerjee.

The inauguration was attended by IIT alumni, technology professionals, Indian diaspora representatives and officials from the office of Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones.