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AI & Decentralized Technologies
Building the Earth Stack — a revolutionary digital public infrastructure integrating artificial intelligence and decentralized systems to quantify and preserve our natural capital.
Pioneering Solutions for Natural Capital
The current market economy's failure to correctly price natural capital is a key driver behind global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
At Atria University's Centre of Excellence in AI & Decentralized Technologies (ACAD), we are dedicated to pioneering such solutions. Inspired by India's success with the India Stack, we envision the Earth Stack.
Through cutting-edge AI research, leveraging satellite imagery, environmental DNA (eDNA), and Large Language Models, ACAD aims to integrate the intrinsic value of natural capital into the global economy.
The Earth Stack
Inspired by India's transformative India Stack, the Earth Stack represents a paradigm shift in how we value and protect our planet's natural resources.
This revolutionary digital public infrastructure combines cutting-edge technologies — satellite imagery, environmental DNA analysis, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
By integrating these technologies, we enable transparent, verifiable, and scalable solutions that can drive sustainable practices across industries and economies worldwide.
The time for transformative change is now. Join us at ACAD to drive innovation in AI and decentralized technologies that can reshape the future.
OUR TEAM
World-class experts driving innovation in AI and decentralized technologies
Dr. Praphul Chandra
Professor, Director & Dean Research
Pioneer in AI applications for environmental monitoring and natural capital valuation.
Prof. Dinker Mattam
Professor Of Practice
Worked at the intersection of Machine Learning and Finance including investment banking, and private equity.
Ms. Vibhavari R
Assistant Professor
Adept educator with three years of teaching experience and a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Computing from Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Ms. Nithya Satish
Associate Software Engineer
Ms. Nithya Satish is a tech enthusiast with a Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA) and a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications (BCA).
Ms. Varsha Venkatasubramanian
Assistant Professor
Varsha is an educator with a growing interest in transdisciplinary computing. With a Master’s in Education from Harvard University and a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering,
Dr. Soham Choudhuri
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. at IIIT Hyderabad
Focus Areas of the Programme
Our interdisciplinary research spans seven critical domains at the intersection of AI, decentralized systems, and environmental sustainability.
AI for Environmental Monitoring
Deploying machine learning models to analyse satellite imagery and sensor data for real-time tracking of ecosystem health, deforestation, and biodiversity changes.
Decentralized Technologies
Building trustless, transparent infrastructure using blockchain and distributed ledgers to create immutable records of environmental data and natural asset transactions.
Digital Public Infrastructure
Designing open, interoperable frameworks — inspired by India Stack — that enable governments, enterprises, and citizens to access and contribute to environmental data.
Blockchain & Smart Contracts
Automating environmental compliance, carbon credit issuance, and biodiversity offset verification through programmable, self-executing contracts on decentralized networks.
Sustainability & Climate Change
Developing computational models and policy tools that quantify the economic value of natural capital, helping integrate ecosystem services into mainstream financial decision-making.
Natural Capital Valuation
Creating robust methodologies to price forests, wetlands, soil health, and biodiversity — enabling markets and regulators to account for nature in economic frameworks.
Large Language Models
Fine-tuning and deploying LLMs on environmental datasets to extract insights from scientific literature, policy documents, and citizen science reports at scale.
Knowledge Delivery Curriculum
Comprehensive AI and technology training programmes for executives, leaders, and students.
AI for CXOs
A strategic programme for C-suite executives to understand and leverage AI for business transformation and competitive advantage.
AI for Tech Leaders
A deep-dive technical programme for engineering managers and technology leads on implementing AI systems at scale.
AI & ML for Students
A comprehensive semester-long programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students entering the AI field.
Our Postgraduate Programmes
MS by Research
Master of Science in AI & Decentralized Technologies
Duration
2 Years
Stipend
₹20,000 per month
Fees
₹1,00,000 per year
PhD Programme
Doctor of Philosophy in AI & Environmental Systems
Duration
3–5 Years
Stipend
₹31,000 per month (UGC/CSIR scale)
Fees
₹50,000 per year
Eligibility Criteria
PhD Programme
For candidates seeking to lead original research in AI, decentralized systems, or environmental technology.
Master's degree (M.Tech / M.Sc / MCA or equivalent) with minimum 60% marks
Valid GATE / UGC-NET / CSIR-NET score preferred
Research proposal submitted at time of application
Interview with the ACAD faculty committee
Master's Programme
For graduates seeking advanced specialisation in AI, machine learning, and decentralized technologies.
B.Tech / B.E / B.Sc (Engineering or Computer Science) with minimum 60% marks
Valid GATE score (preferred but not mandatory)
Statement of purpose highlighting research interests
Research Associates
For professionals and graduates seeking to contribute to ongoing ACAD research projects.
Bachelor's degree in any STEM field with minimum 60% marks
Demonstrated interest or experience in AI, blockchain, or environmental science
Portfolio of projects or prior research work
Events
Engaging Symposiums and Conferences
Join us for groundbreaking events that bring together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to address critical challenges in AI and digital transformation.
Symposium on Climate Change: Science, Projections & Climate Action
A pivotal one-day Symposium on Climate Change inaugurated by Dr. Somanath S, Chairman of ISRO. The event brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss science-driven climate action strategies.
Take the Next Step Forward
Join the ACAD community and contribute to building the Earth Stack. We welcome researchers, students, and industry professionals passionate about AI and sustainability.