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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
Prof. Ramakrishna Nallur
Centre Director
Pioneer in AI applications for environmental monitoring and natural capital valuation.
Dr. Priya Sharma
Lead Researcher — Blockchain
Expert in decentralized systems and blockchain applications for sustainability.
Dr. Arun Menon
Lead Researcher — Remote Sensing
Specialist in satellite imagery analysis and eDNA technology.
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.
Our Projects
Cutting-edge research initiatives that bridge AI, decentralized technologies, and environmental sustainability.
Farm Air
An AI-powered platform that monitors and analyses air quality across agricultural regions using satellite data and IoT sensors. Farm Air provides farmers and policymakers with real-time insights into atmospheric conditions, enabling data-driven decisions to improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
Climate LLM
A specialised Large Language Model fine-tuned on climate science, IPCC reports, and environmental policy documents. Climate LLM enables researchers, policymakers, and educators to query complex climate data in natural language, democratising access to cutting-edge climate intelligence.
ReTake
A blockchain-based platform for verifiable carbon credit issuance and trading. ReTake uses environmental DNA analysis and satellite verification to ensure the integrity of carbon offset projects, creating a transparent and fraud-resistant carbon market infrastructure.
Earth Stack Platform
The flagship initiative of ACAD — a comprehensive digital public infrastructure that integrates satellite imagery, eDNA data, AI analysis, and blockchain verification to create a real-time, tamper-proof ledger of Earth's natural capital. Inspired by the India Stack model.
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.
Blogs
Insights and Knowledge from Digital Transformation
The Earth Stack: Building Digital Infrastructure for Natural Capital
How ACAD is pioneering a revolutionary approach to quantify and protect natural capital through AI and blockchain — inspired by India's transformative India Stack.
AI for Environmental Monitoring: From Satellites to Solutions
How machine learning models trained on satellite imagery are revolutionising our ability to track deforestation, monitor biodiversity, and measure ecosystem health at scale.
Climate LLM: Making Climate Science Accessible
A large language model fine-tuned on IPCC reports, climate science literature, and environmental policy — democratising access to complex climate intelligence.
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.