Ahmedabad University, IIT-GN, UC San Diego partner with GIFT city to launch International Fintech Institute

NEW DELHI: Ahmedabad University and Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) in partnership with UC San Diego will be launching the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) to build a workforce equipped to meet the expanding demands in the fintech sector.

The institute will offer flexible and industry-aligned educational model courses such as fintech foundations, finance for fintech, artificial intelligence/ machine learning (AI/ML) for fintech applications, and cyber security starting January 2025.

These four programmes have been developed for graduates to mid-career professionals who wish to upskill continuously and meet the fintech sector’s rapidly changing demands. This will also allow learners to accumulate credentials that can build towards diplomas or degrees over time, the institute said.

“GIFT IFI envisions becoming a fintech “flywheel” for the world—a centre where global challenges are tackled, innovative solutions developed, and talent, technology, and intellectual property created for widespread impact within the country and around the globe,” the joint statement read.

Many industries and institutions globally have already expressed keen interest in partnering with IFI to build programmes together as well as share data and expertise for the same, it added.

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'GIFT IFI to be built on real problems'

Speaking at the event, Pankaj Chandra, vice-chancellor of Ahmedabad University, said: “We are very excited that GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) has chosen our consortium to build its International Fintech Institute. Our interdisciplinary strengths in understanding of finance and accounting on the one hand, computer science, quantum, and statistics on the other, and strong capabilities in application domains like climate, security, health, underserved communities provide us with a phenomenal opportunity to work collaboratively with industry in building state-of-the -art programmes around fintech.”

Chandra said that the GIFT IFI will be built on real problems and in close partnership with the fintech industry ecosystem.

IIT Gandhinagar director Rajat Moona said: “The launch of the International Fintech Institute brings an inspiring opportunity to redefine education, research, and entrepreneurship in the Indian Fintech domain through curated skill development and training programs. I believe this consortium will create a platform that builds talent, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit, paving the way for a generation of global fintech leaders to transform India’s economic landscape.”

UC San Diego chancellor Pradeep K Khosla said: “As the first US institution to establish a presence here, we are proud to contribute to the growth and transformation of India’s Fintech sector. Through our Institute, we aim to provide cutting-edge training, nurture top talent, and foster a culture of innovation, ultimately driving the next wave of financial technologies and economic progress in the region.”