IIIT Delhi Launches Pioneering Course on Networks for AI/ML Systems

A Unique Academic-Industry Collaboration

Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) has officially launched a new advanced course, Networks for AI/ML Systems, focusing on AI fabrics and system-level architectures. This program is the result of a collaboration with the Indian affiliate of Marvell Technology, Inc., reflecting a growing trend of industry-academia partnerships in emerging technology fields.

Designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world AI system implementation, the course addresses the crucial infrastructure layer of modern AI and machine learning. Students will gain insights into how networking fabrics, memory hierarchies, and distributed execution strategies directly influence AI performance at scale.

Course Structure and Key Focus Areas

The Networks for AI/ML Systems course is structured around advanced topics rarely covered in traditional computer science curricula. It emphasizes:

• Networking Fabrics: Understanding high-performance interconnects critical to AI compute systems.
• Memory Hierarchies: Exploring next-generation memory systems such as CXL-based architectures that enable large-scale AI workloads.
• Distributed Execution: Learning how AI workloads are executed across multiple nodes efficiently to optimize compute and resource utilization.

According to IIIT Delhi, the course is aimed at building one of India’s first specialized cohorts trained in AI/ML systems and fabrics. By focusing on the systems layer rather than just algorithms, the program prepares students to address performance and scalability challenges in AI infrastructure—a skill set increasingly in demand both in research and industry.

Co-Designed and Co-Taught by Experts

The course is co-designed and co-taught by Dr. Rinku Shah, a faculty member at IIIT-Delhi, and Abed Mohammad Kamaluddin, Director at Marvell Technology’s Indian affiliate. The program also benefits from ongoing mentorship by Marvell engineers and architects, who provide practical insights and real-world perspectives.

This collaboration ensures that the curriculum is not only academically rigorous but also aligned with industry requirements. It allows students to understand challenges faced in actual AI deployment environments, particularly in large-scale data centers and enterprise-grade AI systems.

Integration with Research Initiatives

Beyond classroom teaching, IIIT Delhi and Marvell are engaged in joint research on AI networking and systems. The course serves as a bridge between education and research, reinforcing these collaborative efforts. Students can directly contribute to ongoing research projects, gaining hands-on experience in emerging AI system technologies.

The press release emphasizes that this initiative represents the impact of deep, voluntary industry–academia collaboration in emerging systems domains. By integrating research and learning, IIIT Delhi is positioning itself as a hub for next-generation AI systems education in India.

Addressing National Priorities in AI and Semiconductor Capabilities

The launch of this course aligns with India’s broader national priorities in AI compute infrastructure and semiconductor technology. As AI adoption grows across sectors, there is an increasing need for engineers who understand the hardware-software interplay in AI systems.

By training students in AI fabrics and systems, IIIT Delhi is equipping a new generation of engineers with the knowledge required to contribute to India’s AI ecosystem. These skills are critical for advancing semiconductor capabilities, optimizing AI performance at scale, and supporting India’s strategic initiatives in AI and high-performance computing.

Prof. Pushpendra Singh Highlights Global Significance

Prof. Pushpendra Singh, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIIT-Delhi, stated in the press release:

"Networks for AI/ML Systems is India’s first and the first known course of its kind globally. By integrating AI networking, CXL-based memory systems, and AI-scale simulation, the course exposes students to system-level challenges rarely addressed in traditional curricula."

This statement underscores the novelty of the course not only in India but also on the international stage. Few programs worldwide offer such a comprehensive focus on the system-level underpinnings of AI performance, making IIIT Delhi a pioneer in this domain.

Preparing the Next Generation of AI Systems Engineers

The course is designed for students with a foundational understanding of computer science, AI, and machine learning, but it goes further by emphasizing system-level thinking. Participants will explore how hardware design, memory architectures, and network topologies interact with AI algorithms to impact overall system performance.

This systems-level approach equips students with a holistic perspective, preparing them for roles in AI infrastructure design, data center engineering, and high-performance computing research. It also provides a strong foundation for those aiming to contribute to AI hardware innovation or participate in AI-software co-design projects.

Hands-On Learning and Simulation

In addition to theoretical learning, the course includes AI-scale simulation exercises, giving students the ability to test and evaluate system-level configurations before deployment. These simulations provide valuable practical experience, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world system design challenges.

Industry Mentorship and Career Impact

The involvement of Marvell engineers and architects ensures that students receive mentorship from industry leaders, offering insights into best practices, emerging technologies, and performance optimization techniques. This direct engagement enhances career readiness, providing students with a competitive edge in AI/ML infrastructure roles.

Advancing India’s AI Ecosystem

By launching this course, IIIT Delhi is not only advancing academic excellence but also contributing to the growth of India’s AI ecosystem. Students trained in AI fabrics and systems will be better positioned to support research, innovate in AI infrastructure, and contribute to national priorities in AI and semiconductors.

The program exemplifies how strategic collaboration between academia and industry can accelerate skill development, strengthen research capabilities, and address emerging technology needs. It also demonstrates IIIT Delhi’s commitment to staying at the forefront of AI education and research globally.

Looking Ahead

The Networks for AI/ML Systems course represents a major step forward in AI systems education in India. By combining advanced academic instruction, hands-on simulation, and industry mentorship, IIIT Delhi is preparing a generation of engineers and researchers capable of designing, optimizing, and deploying AI systems at scale.

As AI continues to evolve, programs like this will play a pivotal role in ensuring that India remains competitive in AI infrastructure, semiconductor innovation, and high-performance computing. The course not only equips students with technical skills but also fosters a mindset of innovation, research, and collaboration—essential qualities for shaping the future of AI systems.