Zenith School of AI, India’s inaugural AI-native undergraduate institution, has launched its B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence program aimed at redefining AI talent development in the country. This program emerges at a pivotal time, as artificial intelligence transitions from an experimental phase to becoming a critical component of economic infrastructures in developed markets like the United States.
The innovative curriculum of this four-year program integrates an embedded mini-MBA alongside core technical training, thereby marrying deep technical skills with business acumen and leadership capabilities. The degree is conferred by KR Mangalam University, which is recognized by the University Grants Commission and boasts NAAC A-Grade accreditation.
A significant ₹100 crore investment from Rohit Gupta, the Promoter of KR Mangalam University, underpins the launch, aimed at enhancing academic infrastructure, fostering global academic partnerships, and deepening industry integration. This commitment aligns with a long-term vision to cultivate a globally competitive AI talent pipeline in India.
Avinash Pandit, Co-founder of Zenith School of AI, remarked, “Artificial intelligence is no longer a specialization; it is becoming core infrastructure for every industry. With Zenith School of AI, we are making a long-term ₹100 crore commitment to reimagine how AI talent is built in India, starting at the undergraduate level.” He emphasized that traditional engineering frameworks are inadequate for training AI professionals, who must instead engage in practical applications, including building, deploying, and making decisions in real-world scenarios.
Zenith’s leadership team includes experienced professionals such as Avinash Pandit, Vivekanand Vivek, and Anoop Garg, all of whom have previously trained over 20,000 students and facilitated high placement rates in top-tier companies, including the MAANG group and various unicorns. This prior success lends credibility to Zenith’s promise of outcome-oriented education.
Located on a 28-acre modern campus in Gurugram, one of India’s leading startup hubs, Zenith has established an ecosystem supported by industry mentors from notable firms such as Snapchat, Roku, Booking.com, and JP Morgan. Students will have opportunities to collaborate directly with these mentors on live AI problems using real-world data. Additionally, global immersion programs in cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Shenzhen, along with participation in international research initiatives, will further equip students for careers in the global AI landscape.
From the outset, students will engage in practical AI development, including industry externships and paid internships, culminating in a portfolio of production-ready AI systems. The embedded mini-MBA is taught by seasoned professionals from premier institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad and XLRI, thereby preparing students for roles in product development and leadership, or for launching their own AI-centric ventures.
Avinash Pandit further noted, “Across industries, we see a clear gap between what traditional engineering graduates know and what AI roles actually demand. Zenith’s AI-native approach is built to close that gap. By combining deep technical training with an integrated mini-MBA, we are preparing students to go beyond coding models and understand products, users, and business outcomes from day one.”
The curriculum is guided by an international Board of Academics comprising experts from leading AI research organizations such as Cohere, Meta FAIR, and Google DeepMind. This advisory body ensures that the curriculum remains aligned with the latest global AI research and industry developments, moving away from static educational frameworks.
With these innovative elements, Zenith School of AI aims to establish a new standard for AI professional training in India, preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the technology sector. The comprehensive approach not only focuses on technical skill development but also emphasizes the importance of understanding the strategic implications of AI in various industries.
As the global demand for AI skills continues to grow, initiatives like Zenith’s program represent a proactive step in addressing the educational gaps that currently exist, positioning India as a significant player in the international AI landscape.
See also
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