An Indian-origin couple has donated $20 million to its alma mater in Texas, giving a push to studies on artificial intelligence and advanced analytics at the institute, underscoring the contribution by immigrants to help build the “American dream”.
In recognition of the gift, UNT will set up the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, which will serve as an academic and research hub focused on artificial intelligence, intelligent systems and data analytics, bringing together expertise in areas including AI, cybersecurity, data science, advanced analytics, health informatics, information science, library science and learning technologies. Anuradha and Vikas Sinha have gifted $20 million to the University of North Texas (UNT) with a focus on artificial intelligence and advanced analytics while creating new opportunities for students and faculty, a press statement said.
Artificial intelligence will be one of the defining technologies of our generation, and universities have an essential role to play in preparing the people who will shape its future, he said.
Vikas now serves as vice president of the Mainframe Software Division at Broadcom and has served on the UNT College of Information Leadership Board since 2023. “The Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics positions UNT to lead in that work.
UNT President Harrison Keller said artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how “we work, conduct research and solve problems, and universities have an important responsibility to help shape what comes next”.
The college also will house the Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Institute, which will connect AI and analytics research and education across UNT and create opportunities for interdisciplinary research, shared infrastructure, external research funding and industry partnerships, the statement said.
