Aimed at enhancing collaboration between industry and academia in applied AI research and training, the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT-C) has inaugurated an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Lab, named NEOHIVE, in partnership with the global fintech firm JMR Infotech. The launch took place at the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) on January 1, 2026, marking a significant step toward translating AI research from theoretical frameworks into practical applications.
The NEOHIVE lab is designed to extend AI research beyond traditional settings such as classrooms and academic journals, focusing on areas including agentic AI systems, intelligent automation, and immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR). With this initiative, stakeholders aim to foster an environment where advanced AI research can be rigorously tested, refined, and deployed in real-world scenarios.
During the launch, Jayafar Moidu, chief executive officer of JMR Group and an alumnus of NIT-C, emphasized that the project would adopt a phased investment model. “We have invested ₹1.25 crore in the first phase, and this will be scaled up to ₹7.5 crore in the next phase,” he stated. Moidu elaborated on the vision for NEOHIVE, describing it as a collaborative space dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, allowing for the practical application of cutting-edge AI research.
In addition to establishing the lab, JMR Infotech has also introduced the JMR PhD Fellowship, aimed at supporting doctoral research in Applied AI. This partnership further extends to offering stipends for student internships and providing travel fellowships for faculty members to attend international academic conferences. These initiatives are designed to broaden research exposure and encourage global collaboration, fostering a rich academic environment at NIT-C.
During the inauguration, NITC Director Prasad Krishna highlighted the importance of such collaborations in ensuring that academic programs remain relevant in the face of rapidly changing industry demands. “The lab will give students and researchers direct exposure to real-world AI deployments,” he remarked. Krishna noted that initiatives like NEOHIVE would help prepare students for future-ready roles in the global technology sector, thereby enhancing their employability.
Contributing to the inaugural function were notable figures such as A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad; S.D. Madhu Kumar, chairperson of CoE-AI; and Ravi Varma, Dean of International Alumni and Corporate Relations. Their participation underscores the collaborative spirit that the NEOHIVE lab aims to cultivate, reinforcing the significance of partnerships between academic institutions and industry leaders.
The establishment of NEOHIVE aligns with broader trends in the AI landscape, where industry and academic collaborations are increasingly seen as essential to advancing technological innovation. By focusing on practical applications of AI, the lab is positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology education and research in India.
As the lab progresses through its phased investment plan, stakeholders anticipate a transformative impact on both the academic and industrial fronts. The initiative represents not only a commitment to cutting-edge research but also a proactive approach to equipping students with the skills necessary for success in an evolving job market. Through such collaborations, the potential for growth and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence remains significant, promising a robust future for technology in India.
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