Sonata Software, a global leader in modernization engineering, has entered a three-year strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science’s Foundation for Science Innovation and Development. The collaboration aims to promote AI-driven scientific research, educational outreach, and the adoption of responsible-first AI practices.

Central to the collaboration is Sonata’s reaffirmation of its “Responsible-first” AI philosophy, which underscores ethical, secure, and privacy-conscious AI deployment. By joining forces with FSID, Sonata intends to support the development of advanced computer science programmes, research infrastructure, and research-to-market startup incubation, with a focus on benefitting both industry and academia.

The initiative centers on four core objectives include, educational & Outreach Programmes: Engaging students via workshops, expert lectures, and community awareness platforms, Scientific Research Support: Funding cutting-edge work in software engineering and responsible AI, Infrastructure Enhancement: Upgrading labs and equipment within the Department of Computer Science and Automation (CSA) at IISc, and AI Startup Incubation: Building a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures emerging from campus-based innovation.

The Department of Computer Science and Automation (CSA) at IISc is already recognized internationally for its R&D excellence. This partnership is expected to amplify its impact by blending academia’s technical experience with Sonata’s engineering and industry domain expertise. This partnership aligns with India’s broader push towards nurturing homegrown, trustworthy AI systems. As the nation scales up its AI capabilities through various state-backed initiatives, the Sonata–FSID collaboration adds strategic momentum—especially in applied research and the commercialization of AI technologies.

By blending Sonata’s modernization engineering approach with IISc’s academic strengths, the initiative is poised to yield robust research outcomes, opportunities for early-career researchers, and a new pipeline of AI-based startups deploying ethically sound technologies. Sonata Software’s alliance with IISc’s FSID marks a significant step towards responsible AI adoption in India’s research ecosystem. By enabling ethical AI research and supporting next-gen entrepreneurs, the partnership is well positioned to shape India’s AI-driven future.