IIIT-B, University of Toronto launch AI-powered urban governance initiative for Bengaluru

Researchers from the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and the University of Toronto have launched a collaboration aimed at enhancing infrastructure and quality of life in Bengaluru and other Indian cities through AI-driven urban governance.

Also read: Government targets barrier-free tolling by 2028-29 to boost highway efficiency

The project proposes a public-private partnership to integrate AI into managing water resources, urban mobility, waste disposal, and climate adaptation. Initially focusing on Bengaluru, the initiative plans to extend solutions to metros such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.

The initiative was presented at the "AI and the City" conference, organized by IIIT-B’s Centre for Information Technology and Public Policy (CITAPP) in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. The event showcased AI’s potential in urban planning, disaster management, cybersecurity, and sustainability, with contributions from 22 institutions across 11 countries.

Key highlights included demonstrations of AI’s role in mapping Bengaluru’s water bodies, monitoring flooding, and planning flood mitigation strategies, presented by IIIT-B’s Sachit Rao.

AI-driven cybersecurity solutions were also discussed, with Roland Hass from IIIT-B explaining how AI can safeguard smart city systems against cyber threats. Experts emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in developing AI solutions tailored to India’s urban challenges, with ongoing efforts to scale these solutions for broader use.