Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Île-de-France and IIIT-Bangalore, the second batch of fifteen first-year BTech students from the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programme at IIIT-B participated in an international learning immersion programme at Aivancity School for Technology, Business & Society in Paris, France, from May 26 to June 8, 2026. As part of the exchange programme, the students attended a short course on AI and Ethics. The collaboration has also enabled students from Aivancity, France, to visit the IIIT-B campus in 2025 and 2026, where they interacted with students and faculty and explored the campus and the city of Bengaluru, further strengthening academic exchange, cultural understanding, and global collaboration between the two institutions.
Accompanied by Dr. Sushree, the students engaged with leading experts working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, business, and ethics, gaining exposure to global perspectives on the opportunities and responsibilities associated with emerging technologies.
A key highlight of the programme was the students’ visit to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, where they explored global initiatives related to education, science, culture, sustainable development, and the ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence. The experience introduced students to international discussions on responsible innovation and the societal implications of AI, encouraging them to look beyond technological capabilities and consider the broader impact of intelligent systems.
At Aivancity, students participated in lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence, business, ethics, and society. The programme emphasized responsible innovation, ethical decision-making, and regulatory frameworks in AI, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the responsible use of AI technologies.
As part of the academic programme, the students undertook a hands-on project on House Price Prediction. While addressing a classical machine learning problem, the project challenged them to think from an entrepreneurial perspective by developing business models, conducting SWOT and PESTEL analyses, and presenting their solutions as potential startup ventures. Their confidence, professionalism, and ability to integrate technical and business perspectives earned appreciation from the faculty members at Aivancity.
The immersion programme also included visits to the Région Île-de-France offices and Keyrus, a global consulting firm specializing in data and digital transformation. These interactions offered valuable insights into AI-driven public infrastructure projects, data-driven decision-making, and the practical and ethical challenges associated with deploying AI in real-world environments.
Beyond academics, the experience provided students with opportunities to develop independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. From navigating international travel and engaging with global experts to presenting ideas in an international setting, the students demonstrated maturity, curiosity, and resilience throughout the programme.
Speaking about the importance of such initiatives, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said, Artificial Intelligence is transforming every sector of society, and it is essential that future technologists understand not only how to build AI systems but also how to deploy them responsibly. Programmes such as the Aivancity immersion expose our students to global perspectives on ethics, governance, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Their interactions with institutions such as UNESCO, industry experts, and international faculty help develop globally aware professionals who can create technology for societal good.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Sushree said, The visit provided a unique opportunity for students to engage with global experts and understand that the future of Artificial Intelligence lies not only in technological advancement but also in cultivating ethical, responsible, and globally aware practitioners. One of the key insights from this experience is that the future is not merely about Artificial Intelligence, but about augmented intelligence – where humans and intelligent systems work together to amplify human capabilities and create meaningful societal impact.
The programme left a lasting impression on the participating students. Naksh Sharma said, The trip was great; we got to learn a lot about AI and Ethics and were exposed to a different type of learning culture. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.
Utkarsh Gupta added, Completely inspired after an amazing two-week study trip to Aivancity in Paris, diving into big data, AI, and the ethical side of tech.
The international learning immersion reflects IIIT-B’s commitment to fostering global perspectives, interdisciplinary learning, and responsible innovation, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence.