Sridhar Vembu Inaugurates Vels’ Thiruvanmiyur Campus – India’s First AI-Integrated Vertical University
Vels University has achieved a new milestone in the higher education sector by inaugurating India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated vertical university campus in Thiruvanmiyur.
Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation, inaugurated the campus as the chief guest. His Excellency Ahmed Meer Hashim Ahmed Khoory, a member of the UAE Federal National Council and the Board of Directors of the Emirates Airline Foundation, attended the event as a guest of honour. Mr. M. F. Rauf Ali, Managing Director of Dubai-based Economic Group Holdings LLC, also participated as a special guest.
Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor of Vels University, presided over the ceremony, while Dr. Preetha Ganesh, Vice President of Vels Educational Institutions, graced the occasion.
Located in Thiruvanmiyur—Chennai’s IT hub—this new campus is designed to integrate AI technology, modern infrastructure, and industry-oriented learning methodologies. It features AI-powered classrooms, smart learning systems, state-of-the-art laboratories, innovation centres, digital libraries, and world-class student amenities.
Furthermore, through ‘Industry–Academia Centres of Excellence’ established in collaboration with Intel Unnati, TCS iON, Microsoft, and Oracle Academy, students will receive hands-on training in future-ready technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and High-Performance Computing. During the event, Vels University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai-based Aspin Holding Group to foster collaboration in aviation education, air transport, industrial training, student exchange programs, and international employment opportunities. Additionally, the university announced that it would soon sign an MoU with Zoho to strengthen ties in areas such as artificial intelligence, research, innovation, skill development, and industry-academia partnerships.
As part of the event, Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho, interacted with Vels students. He shared his insights on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, innovation, research, and India’s technological future, while encouraging students to cultivate world-class skills and contribute to the nation’s progress.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor of Vels University, noted that we are living in an era where education must evolve in tandem with rapid global technological changes. He stated that the newly launched AI-integrated vertical university campus in Thiruvanmiyur would serve as a modern educational hub, shaping students through innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and future-ready skills. He also announced the institution’s future expansion plans, including an integrated university campus spanning 350 acres in Tindivanam, the expansion of the medical campus in Periyapalayam, and the upgrading of campuses in Adyar and Hyderabad. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding quality higher education and research across the country. Furthermore, while commending Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu’s contributions to technology, innovation, and national progress, he highlighted Zoho’s “Nation First” policy—implemented in collaboration with the Indian Army—and praised Vembu for proudly wearing the dhoti (a traditional Tamil garment) on the global stage, thereby upholding Tamil culture.
His Excellency Ahmed Mir Hashim Ahmed Khoori, a member of the UAE Federal National Council and the Board of Directors of the Emirates Airline Foundation, attended the event as the guest of honor. Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh expressed his gratitude to him and emphasized the need to further strengthen cooperation between India and the UAE in the fields of education and aviation.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Preetha Ganesh, Vice President of Vels Educational Institutions, said, “Our mission is to create a world-class learning environment for students. We are honored to have globally renowned personalities participate in the inauguration of this distinguished educational campus. Their achievements and life journeys will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for our students.”
Guest of honor H.E. Ahmed Mir Hashim Ahmed Khoori commended the growth of the Vels Group and drew parallels between its progress and the expansion of Emirates Airline.
“Emirates, which began in 1985 with just a few aircraft, has today grown into a leading global airline with a fleet of over 250 planes…”
Similarly, the growth of the Vels Group is highly commendable.
“The friendship between India and the UAE is strengthening day by day. Chennai is a city very close to my heart. Both nations must collaborate further in the fields of education, aviation, and innovation,” he stated.
Delivering the inaugural address, Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu highly appreciated the architecture, visionary design, and modern infrastructure of the Thiruvanmiyur campus.
“The Vels campus in Thiruvanmiyur is an exceptional educational facility featuring world-class architecture. For India to take the lead in global competition, we must achieve self-reliance in everything from basic sciences to advanced digital technologies. I realized the importance of this even more clearly during a recent trip to Japan. We need to manufacture high-end technologies, including aircraft, right here in our country. Zoho is keen to collaborate with the Vels Group across various sectors in the future. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding collaboration with Vels University in areas such as artificial intelligence, research, innovation, and skill development is set to be signed soon,” he said.
The inauguration of the Thiruvanmiyur campus marked a significant milestone, reflecting the Vels Group’s commitment to elevating higher education to new dimensions through innovation, industry-academia linkages, advanced technologies, and world-class educational opportunities.
