IIT Delhi AI school and Walmart Global Tech sign Rs 9 crore AI education pact

The Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence at IIT Delhi announced on November 6, 2026 a four-year partnership with WM Global Technology Services India, the company that operates as Walmart Global Tech in India, to fund research and talent development in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science. The partnership is valued at about Rs 9 crore, with roughly Rs 2.3 crore set aside for the current financial year.

According to the institute, the money will support dedicated fellowships for student researchers, faculty development and teacher training meant to carry AI education into classrooms beyond the IIT Delhi campus, and upgrades to the school's research infrastructure. The programme also includes learning opportunities for industry professionals and for learners from underrepresented communities. IIT Delhi will lead implementation and hold regular reviews of progress and outcomes over the four years. The announcement did not say how many fellowships or training places will be offered.

The Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence was set up in 2020 and works on uses of AI in fields including healthcare, robotics, materials science, climate and transportation. The agreement, welcomed by the institute's dean of corporate relations, adds an industry-funded teaching and training strand to the school's research work, with the stated aim of building a lasting pipeline of AI researchers and educators.