CHRIST University, Salesforce partner to set up AI Innovation Lab and CoE
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) has entered into a collaboration with Salesforce to establish a Salesforce AI Innovation Lab and an Academia Centre of Excellence at the university.
The collaboration will focus on AI education and enterprise technology, with students and faculty gaining access to hands-on learning involving Salesforce technologies. The university said the AI Innovation Lab will allow students to work on agentic AI solutions and enterprise workflows.
The programme will also use Salesforce’s Agentforce, Data 360 and Tableau Next technologies, while students will have access to learning programmes and certification pathways through Salesforce’s Trailhead platform.
Dr Fr Jose C.C., Vice Chancellor, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), said the collaboration forms part of the university’s AI Vision 2030.
“Artificial Intelligence is redefining every discipline and every profession. At CHRIST University, our vision is not merely to teach AI, but to embed it meaningfully into learning, research, innovation, governance, and societal development,” he said.
“Our partnership with Salesforce is a defining step towards realising our AI Vision 2030, creating an environment where students and faculty engage with globally relevant enterprise technologies, foster responsible innovation, and develop solutions that create lasting impact,” he added.
Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director, Salesforce India, said universities would play an important role in developing talent capable of applying AI.
“The future of AI will be shaped not just by technology, but by the people who know how to apply it responsibly and at scale. Universities play a pivotal role in cultivating this talent,” Chowhan said.
“Through our collaboration with CHRIST University, we are creating opportunities for students and educators to engage with enterprise AI, gain hands-on experience, and develop the skills needed to solve real-world challenges,” she added.
The university said the collaboration will also support interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship alongside AI and digital skills development.