MAHE, Microsoft and Hitachi Systems India Collaborate to Accelerate AI-First University Transformation

Manipal, August 12, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft and Hitachi Systems India to accelerate AI-driven transformation across its academic and administrative ecosystem. The initiative combines the establishment of Microsoft AI Labs across five MAHE institutions with a comprehensive roadmap for enterprise-wide AI adoption.
As part of the collaboration, Microsoft AI Labs will be established at T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, TAPMI Bengaluru, Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), Manipal Institute of Commerce, Finance and Economics (MICFE), Bengaluru, and Manipal Law School (MLS), Bengaluru. These labs will provide students and faculty access to advanced Microsoft technologies, AI tools, digital innovation platforms, and hands-on learning opportunities.
The initiative is designed to strengthen experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, industry-academia engagement, and innovation across management, commerce, economics, finance, law, and other disciplines. Students will gain practical exposure to emerging technologies while developing future-ready skills that meet evolving industry requirements.
Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd. collaboration with MAHE and Microsoft is focused on moving beyond AI experimentation to creating measurable, enterprise-wide value from AI. By combining Copilot adoption with purpose-built AI agents, we aim to help MAHE transform how its administrative functions operate, collaborate and make decisions. This initiative is an important step toward establishing a scalable model for an AI-first and agentic university in India.
As part of the initiative, Hitachi Systems India will support MAHE in advancing AI adoption across its administrative ecosystem, with a focus on translating AI capabilities into practical and measurable enterprise value. Leveraging Microsoft Copilot and purpose-built AI agents, the collaboration aims to enhance the way administrative functions operate, collaborate and make informed decisions. The initiative will also explore a scalable approach to AI-led transformation across the university ecosystem.
The partnership will be formally marked at a launch event hosted by TAPMI, Manipal, attended by Puneet Chandok, President and CEO, Microsoft India and South Asia; Raj Kamal Singhal, CEO, Hitachi Systems India; Venkat Krishnan, Executive Director, Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd., and Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE.
Dr Debasis Pradhan, Director, TAPMI Manipal, said, "This partnership marks an important step in strengthening the connection between academic excellence and technological innovation. Through these AI labs and collaboration initiatives, our students will gain meaningful exposure to emerging technologies and develop the skills required to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world."
Dr Ganesh Prasad, Director, Directorate of Digital & Information Technology, MAHE, said, "The MAHE-Microsoft collaboration reflects our commitment to creating a future-ready learning ecosystem. Supported by Hitachi Systems India, this initiative will help integrate AI into education, research, innovation, and institutional operations, creating lasting value for our students, faculty, and administrative teams."