Latest news with #DigitalUniversityKerala
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Kairali AI Chip developers say allegations misplaced, cite support from MeitY and Kerala government
Countering allegations surrounding Digital University Kerala's invention, Kairali AI Chip, its makers have maintained that their invention is an academic research initiative, and not a commercial product. They also emphasised the groundbreaking nature of its achievement of designing a functional AI test chip in-house at a State-funded institution with limited infrastructure and funding. The Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) had raised serious concerns regarding Kairali Chip by alleging a lack of transparency in its development and misuse of public funds. The organisation also claimed that the chip's design was not disclosed, lacked patents and had not been commercially validated. It also questioned why the chip development was not officially communicated to the Central government, particularly at a time when the Centre has invested heavily in India's semiconductor ecosystem. 'Validated through reviews' The developers of Kerala's first silicon-proven AI chip, while denying the allegations, have stated that the project's first prototype was developed by teams of Master's and PhD students, and was validated through multiple reviews under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's (MeitY) Chip to Startup (C2S) programme. Highlighting the prohibitive costs of chip development, ranging from $1 million to over $200 million for high-end chips, the makers pointed out that the test chip was realised with limited resources using programmes such as Efabless platform and open-source tools, including those by Skywater and Google, using a 130nm fabrication process. Under MeitY's C2S initiative, the research team led by Professor Alex James was able to carry out modular tape-outs (manufacturing ready chip designs), publish research and provide real-world chip design training to dozens of students. The university also received support through the GF-Synopsys Pilot Program, giving students hands-on experience in designing chips ready for commercial fabrication. Besides, the Kerala government independently recognised the work of Prof. James by awarding him the Kairali Researcher Award, which further supported research into bio-inspired AI (models that try to mimic biological neural networks, especially useful for low-power AI applications). 'This project too was research-driven, and tackled more experimental architecture and spiking neural models. In addition, the university also received selective access to ReRAM design files from TSMC, a global semiconductor leader, which is currently given only to a very limited set of researchers around the world,' the developers added.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kerala cabinet pays tribute to VS, makes note of key interventions
VS was also recognised for his interventions in key areas such as environmental protection, gender equality, and human rights. His contributions in both legislative and administrative roles were remembered, including his tenure as a legislator representing Ambalapuzha, Mararikulam, and Malampuzha, and his term as chief minister from 2006 to 2011. He later served as the Chairman of the Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission from 2016 to 2021. The cabinet remarked that his death marks a significant loss to Kerala's progressive and democratic movements. Other decisions The cabinet approved the creation of a deputy collector post for Disaster Management in the districts of Wayanad and Idukki-two of the most disaster-prone regions in the state. The posts will be established by abolishing one office attendant and one typist post in the respective district revenue department. The cabinet also approved the transfer of 28 acres of land in Melthonnakkal and Andurkonam panchayats for the second phase of Digital University Kerala campus. The land, originally part of the 507 acres notified for Technopark Phase IV (Technocity), will be handed over on a freehold basis. Digital University Kerala will be responsible for all future land acquisition and resettlement (LAR) liabilities. An allocation of Rs 21.81 crore has been sanctioned to Technopark to facilitate the transfer.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Cabinet approves transfer of 28 acres for digital university's second phase campus
The Kerala Cabinet on Thursday approved the transfer of 28 acres of land in the Melthonnakkal and Andoorkonam panchayats for the development of the Digital University Kerala (DUK)'s second phase campus. The land to be transferred is part of the 507 acres notified for acquisition for the fourth phase (Technocity) development of the Technopark. The ownership of the land is being transferred to DUK on a freehold basis on the condition that the university will bear all future Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation (LAR) liabilities. An amount of ₹21.81 crore will be sanctioned for the Technopark to facilitate the land transfer process. The DUK was set up in the outskirts of the State capital by upgrading the two-decade-old Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management – Kerala (IIITM-K) through an ordinance promulgated in January 2020. The second phase development will lead to an expansion of the infrastructural facilities with the addition of new labs, innovation hubs, and other facilities.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chief Minister calls on Governor, raises slew of issues
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan on Sunday. The meeting, which lasted an hour, came at a time when the State's higher education sector has been witnessing deep administrative turbulence. A range of pressing issues, primarily centred on the ongoing crisis involving various State universities, including Kerala University, which remains embroiled in a prolonged administrative standoff, are learnt to have figured in the discussions. Mr. Vijayan also reportedly handed over a panel of nominees for the appointment of interim Vice-Chancellor at the Digital University Kerala. He also urged the Governor to expedite the appointment of an interim Vice-Chancellor for APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. The meeting also saw discussions on several pending Bills, including the Private Universities Bill, which at present awaits the Governor's assent. The meeting marks the first formal interaction between the Chief Minister and the Governor since the 'Bharat Mata' controversy flared up. The row led to tensions at Kerala University and the suspension of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar by Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal. However, there is no official word yet on whether the issue was raised during the conversation. The Chief Minister is also said to have extended an invitation to the Governor and his family to attend the official Onam celebrations hosted by the government. The Governor is understood to have assured the Chief Minister of his full cooperation in facilitating the government's administrative initiatives. Law and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, who spoke to mediapersons, said there was nothing unusual about the meeting, which is an essential component of the democratic governance system. 'Under such a framework, both the government and the Governor are entrusted with undertaking their assigned duties. Constant interactions are necessary to ensure smooth coordination,' the Minister said. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu recently indicated that the government had commenced efforts to restore normalcy in the functioning of universities by ironing out differences.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- The Hindu
DUK spot admissions on July 30
Digital University Kerala will hold spot admissions to MBA, MSc and MTech programmes on its Technopark Phase IV campus at 9.30 a.m. on July 30. Students without scores in KMAT, CMAT, XAT, NMAT (in the case of MBA), and CUET-PG 2025, GATE 2025 (for MSc, MTech) can take the Digital University Admission Test (DUAT) on the same day. The first spot round for seats vacant under SC/ST reservation will also be conducted that day. Applicants should report with original certificates, photocopies, and one passport-size photo. Further information can be obtained by contacting 0471-2788019/80781 93800 or from
