About Us
The Mphasis AI & Applied Tech Lab at Ashoka is a distinguished collaboration between Ashoka University and Mphasis, exemplifying the synergy of industry and academia. Initiated in 2020, this collaboration has flourished, with the renewal of funding in 2023 underscoring the significance and continued commitment of both institutions to this partnership. The lab prides itself on its interdisciplinary approach, bridging various academic realms to offer a holistic perspective on computational challenges. With students and researchers hailing from diverse disciplines, the lab ensures computational learning remains accessible and impactful. This inclusive approach not only promotes diversity of thought but also encourages students and researchers to fuse their expertise, leading to groundbreaking solutions.
Our research form the backbone of the lab’s endeavors. With a keen emphasis on domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Health Analytics, and Dissemination, the lab is at the forefront of addressing contemporary challenges. BharatSim stands out as a trailblazer, offering large-scale simulations that could be transformative for government and healthcare sectors. Meanwhile, the Ashoka Centre for Health Analytics, Research & Trends (CHART) seeks to fill the data void in India’s healthcare, aiming to enhance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by presenting actionable insights, ultimately refining policy-making. The AI@Ashoka initiative is our commitment to pushing the frontiers of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. With this initiative, we’re not just exploring technological advancements but also addressing the ethical implications that come with it. The Cybersecurity pillar of the lab aims to ensure secure implementation, optimize performance, and drive the global transition to post-quantum cryptography.
Complementing these projects, the lab features the Digital Makerspace. This space is dedicated to fostering engagement and hands-on experiential learning. It’s designed to be a hub for creativity, where students and researchers can ideate, design, and implement tech-enabled solutions. From high-tech instruments to basic tools, the Makerspace encapsulates the entire spectrum, providing resources for a holistic learning experience.
In essence, the Mphasis AI & Applied Tech Lab at Ashoka epitomizes Ashoka University’s vision for an immersive and comprehensive educational experience, preparing students for future challenges in the tech world.
Our Stories
YSP TDCS Workshop: “Mesh-querading Surveillance in the Information Age”
Summer, 2024
A hands-on workshop at YSP where high school students built mesh networks and explored digital privacy, cybersecurity, and surveillance ethics. Led by Makerspace mentors and Prof. Debayan Gupta, the sessions combined ESP32-based hardware development, cybersecurity exercises, and Linux basics.
Student Fashion Show by CLAD
Monsoon 2024
The CLAD Student Fashion Show brought together creativity and technology, with students designing and manufacturing their own fashion pieces in-house at the Makerspace. Volunteers explored 3D printing, fabric modeling, and sewing techniques to bring their artistic visions to life. With 12 student designers, 10 volunteers, and a captivated audience of around 200, the event featured show-stopping outfits crafted at the Makerspace. This unique blend of fashion and fabrication highlighted the power of hands-on learning and student-driven innovation.
Jugaad Workshop with Centre for Entrepreneurship
Monsoon 2024
As part of the Frugal Innovation course at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, this workshop introduced students to hands-on problem-solving using limited resources. Supported by the Makerspace, participants received training, equipment, and mentorship to bring their ideas to life. Led by Dr. Rajesh Nair, the 3-hour session engaged ~35 non-CS students pursuing an Entrepreneurship minor. Following the workshop, students continued working on their projects at the Makerspace for two weeks, guided by community mentors. This initiative fostered creativity, resourcefulness, and collaboration across disciplines.
Let’s Make: Fabric Fun with 3D Printing
Monsoon 2024
Introductory Makerspace workshop on 3D printing on fabric. Beyond the technical skills in CAD and 3D printing, we used the workshop as a platform to push the boundaries of creative expression – touching upon the possibilities in the realm of personalised fashion and design.
Let’s Make: Lamps
Monsoon 2024
The workshop provided an opportunity for students to illustrate both practical skills and their creative expression. Participants delved into the fundamentals of electrical wiring as well as product design, transforming raw materials into personalized lamps that brightened their dorm rooms and showcased their unique styles.
RedBrick Hacks 2023
Summer 2023
Following the success of its debut edition, RedBrick Hacks 2023 returned on a larger scale as Ashoka University’s premier intercollegiate hackathon. The event saw 460+ applicants from 37 universities across north-India. Workshops, mentorship, and a high-energy coding environment fueled groundbreaking innovations. The winning project focused on empowering visually impaired individuals to navigate digital payments, securing prizes worth ₹1.5L.
RedBrick Hacks High School Edition: Fostering Young Innovators
Spring 2023
RedBrick Hacks: Rapid Prototyping and Experimentation provided a unique platform for high school students (grades XI & XII) across India to collaborate, innovate, and design impactful technologies. Out of 150 applicants from 23 cities in India and abroad, 5 finalist teams (25 students), along with their school teachers, were invited to Ashoka University for a 5-day hackathon. The finalists worked in a mini-hardware lab set up by the Makerspace team. The winning team was awarded ₹1L in seed funding to further develop their project. Their innovation gained significant recognition, securing the Grand Prize at IRIS 2024 and reaching the finals at ISEF 2024.
RedBrick Hacks 2022
Summer 2022
RedBrick Hacks 2022 marked Ashoka University’s first-ever flagship intercollegiate hackathon, bringing together participants from 30 universities across India. The hackathon featured expert-led workshops by Erasmus Scholars, researchers from MIT’s Senseable City Lab, and graduate students from the University of Lille and Brown University.
