Hyderabad: IIT Hyderabad launched what it describes as India’s first MTech programs that integrate artificial intelligence and computational modeling with chemical engineering, signaling a shift in the way engineers are trained for modern process industries. The institute’s chemical engineering department on Friday announced two postgraduate programmes: MTech in AI and machine learning in chemical engineering and MTech in computational chemical engineering.
The programs aim to address the increasing use of digital tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced simulations and data analytics in industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy and advanced materials.
Admissions to the programs will begin in the next academic year through the Common Online Admission Portal and GATE-based selection. Graduates are expected to work in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy systems and digital manufacturing.
The AI and Machine Learning in Chemical Engineering program combines basic chemical engineering concepts with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data-driven modeling. The students will work on applications such as process optimization, reaction engineering, materials discovery, smart manufacturing and sustainable energy systems, the university told Deccan Chronicle.
The Computational Chemical Engineering program focuses on the modeling and simulation of complex chemical processes. The curriculum includes areas such as computational thermodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, molecular modeling and numerical optimization.
The director of the institute, Professor BS Murty, said that engineering innovation today is increasingly determined by data and computational tools. “The future of engineering lies at the intersection of domain expertise and digital intelligence. These programs aim to prepare engineers who can combine fundamental science with advanced computing to develop technologies for industry,” he said.
Professor Chandra Shekhar Sharma, head of the chemical engineering department, said the programs followed the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and simulation tools into chemical engineering practice.
