SAFI AI And Robotics Centre, Centre Of AI Kerala Join Hands To Advance AI and Robotics Innovation In Kerala
Vazhayur, September 14, 2026: The Dr. Moopen’s AI & Robotics Centre at SAFI Institute of Advanced Study and the IndiaAI-MeitY Centre of AI Kerala (CAIK) have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to promote artificial intelligence, robotics, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry adoption in Kerala.
The agreement is expected to create new avenues for students, researchers, faculty members, professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to move beyond classroom learning and engage with emerging technologies through experimentation, mentoring and industry-oriented projects.
The LOI was signed by SAFI General Secretary M.A. Mehboob and CAIK CEO Shiv Shankar. It was formally exchanged by Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman of Aster DM Quality Care, and Dr. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor of Digital University Kerala, at a function attended by a number of prominent representatives from the education, healthcare, business and technology sectors.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman of Aster DM Quality Care, with other dignitaries
P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP; SAFI Chairman C.H. Abdul Raheem; P.K. Ahmed, Chairman of PK Group; T.J. Wilson, Director, Aster DM Quality Care; and SAFI CEO Prof. E.P. Imbichikoya were among those present.
The collaboration seeks to establish a practical bridge between emerging talent in SAFI and northern Kerala and the wider AI innovation ecosystem. The two institutions will explore joint initiatives covering pre-incubation, incubation, acceleration, mentorship, industry engagement, pilot projects and wider ecosystem support.
P.V. Abdul Wahab, Rajya Sabha MP addressing the gathering
The proposed programmes are expected to provide students and innovators with opportunities to develop ideas into workable solutions while exposing them to the requirements of industry and real-world applications of AI and robotics.
“Artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming the way we live, learn and work. It is important that young talent in Kerala has the opportunity to participate in this transformation,” said Dr. Azad Moopen.
Dr. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor of Digital University Kerala at the event
“Our aim through the Dr. Moopen’s AI & Robotics Centre at SAFI is to create a platform where students, researchers and entrepreneurs can learn, experiment and turn ideas into meaningful solutions. We are pleased to work with CAIK to connect education, research and industry and help position Kerala as a leading hub for responsible and innovative AI adoption,” he added.
Established at SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, the Dr. Moopen’s AI & Robotics Centre is supported by the Dr. Moopen’s Family Foundation with an investment of ₹15 crore. The centre is envisaged as an ecosystem for students, professionals, entrepreneurs and researchers working in AI and robotics, with a focus on learning, experimentation, research and innovation.
CAIK is part of the IndiaAI Centre of Excellence initiative under the IndiaAI Mission of the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It has been established in Thiruvananthapuram through a collaborative framework involving the Government of Kerala, Digital University Kerala and Innovation Incubator Advisory Private Limited.
The Centre of AI Kerala is envisioned as a technology and innovation hub focused on advancing sovereign AI capabilities for Kerala and India through research, entrepreneurship, skill development and industry adoption.
The partnership between SAFI’s AI and Robotics Centre and CAIK is expected to strengthen the links between education, research, innovation and industry while creating new opportunities for the next generation of technology practitioners and entrepreneurs in the State.
The initiative also signals a growing emphasis on building AI capabilities beyond major technology centres, with institutions in northern Kerala seeking a more active role in the State’s emerging artificial intelligence and robotics ecosystem.
