BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Launches Ankitt Gaur Centre of Excellence in Blockchain & AI Research
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC) has unveiled the Ankitt Gaur Centre of Excellence in Blockchain & AI Research, marking a significant milestone following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This pioneering initiative is the first endowment from a Work Integrated Learning Programme (WILP) alumnus, spearheaded by Ankitt Gaur, the Founder & CEO of OrbitXPay and a distinguished graduate from the 2007-2009 batch of BPDC.
The Centre of Excellence is envisioned as a premier hub for research, innovation, and incubation in Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Web3 technologies. It aims to strengthen the connection between academia and industry by fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and start-ups.
As part of his philanthropic initiatives, Gaur has also introduced the Nirmala Devi Scholarship for Girls at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, in honor of his mother. This full 100% scholarship is dedicated to supporting deserving female students, reinforcing his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for women in India. Additionally, he has pledged to further his efforts in empowering underprivileged communities through education and technology.
Expressing his appreciation for this initiative, Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director of BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, stated, “The formalization of this MoU with Ankitt Gaur is a moment of immense pride for us. His generous contribution represents a game-changing step for our campus, opening new avenues in Blockchain and AI research. This reflects the strong ties our alumni maintain with their alma mater and their dedication to shaping the future of technology.”
Ankitt Gaur also shared his thoughts on the establishment of the Centre of Excellence, saying, “BITS Pilani has been instrumental in shaping my journey. This initiative is a token of my gratitude and my vision to inspire technological breakthroughs. Through this centre, I aim to empower students, innovators, and researchers to take the lead in AI, Blockchain, and Web3 advancements.”
The Centre of Excellence is set to provide a collaborative platform where students and researchers can work on cutting-edge projects, reinforcing global leadership in emerging technologies. It will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, nurturing a thriving research and start-up ecosystem.
Adding to the significance of this development, Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations Division, BITS Pilani, remarked, “This is a groundbreaking moment for BITS Pilani and our alumni network. Ankitt Gaur’s contribution highlights how our graduates are driving innovation and paving the way for future generations. This initiative will significantly boost the start-up ecosystem with a strong focus on Blockchain and AI applications.”
The establishment of this Centre marks a pivotal step toward advancing next-generation technologies, strengthening the foundation for future innovations and research breakthroughs.
