In a move aimed at advancing India’s role in next-generation technologies, Emergence has announced the launch of Emergence India Labs (EIL), the country’s first dedicated AI research and development centre focused on autonomous AI agents.
The New York-based company, founded by three Indian-American scientists from IBM Research, said the lab will focus on developing advanced autonomous systems capable of running mission-critical digital and physical infrastructure. The initiative aims to help India move beyond its traditional IT services model into areas such as manufacturing, logistics and industrial automation.
Investment and scale
Backed by tens of millions of dollars in initial R&D investment, the lab plans significant long-term expansion. EIL is expected to grow to 500 research scientists and engineers over the next 3–4 years.
Location and collaboration
The lab will be set up near the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and will work closely with its ecosystem. This includes joint research, academic exchanges, hackathons and summer schools.
Professor Siddhartha Gadgil will join as Chief Scientist while continuing his academic role.
Vision and focus
“We believe the most immediate opportunity lies in building autonomous AI systems capable of operating the world’s most mission-critical digital infrastructure – from financial networks and telecom platforms to cloud and digital public systems,” said Satya Nitta. “By mastering autonomy in the digital realm, we establish the foundation to extend into robotics, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation industrial infrastructure.”
EIL will serve as a hub for foundational AI research through partnerships with government, industry and academia. The goal is to reduce dependence on imported technologies and position India as a centre for frontier AI innovation.
“The convergence of formal proof systems and the explosive growth of artificial intelligence creates an unprecedented opportunity – and necessity – to build reliable, mathematically grounded autonomous systems,” said Gadgil. “Driven by a rich scientific tradition and a dynamic generation of engineers and entrepreneurs, India has the potential to drive this new frontier. By anchoring the entire spectrum of innovation here in Bengaluru, from foundational research to real-world application, we will catalyse an ecosystem of sustained, world-class breakthroughs, ensuring India helps architect the future of intelligent systems.”
Industry context
The initiative reflects a broader shift in India’s technology landscape. AI adoption in manufacturing has risen to 65% in 2024 from 45% in 2022, with the market expected to cross $8 billion by 2030.
Globally, Chinese universities now hold 9 of the top 10 positions in natural sciences research, while China accounted for about 54% of industrial robot installations in 2024.
“For more than 2 decades, India’s technology sector has been anchored in IT services,” Nitta said. “The next chapter must be defined by building frontier autonomous systems that power critical infrastructure. India must participate fully in shaping that transformation.”
Emergence AI also employs researchers from organisations such as Google DeepMind, IBM T J Watson Research Center and Allen Institute for AI.
“Thousands of Indian researchers and engineers contribute to AI development at leading technology companies and research labs globally,” Nitta said. “The opportunity now is to anchor more of that talent and leadership in India.”
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