Union Budget Announcement of 500 Crore AI Investments Spurs IIM Sambalpur’s Partnership for Next-Gen Digital Learning Solutions

IIM Sambalpur Becomes First Institute in India to tie up for AI Introduction in Learning Management Systems after Harvard University

Bengaluru, 4th February 2025- Following the announcement of investing 500 Crore in AI Centers of excellence; in a ground-breaking initiative set to change the face of management education in India, IIM Sambalpur has joined hands with Breakout Learning Inc. on AI-driven digital case study solutions. The objective of this collaboration is to pursue India as a hub for a technology-driven and globally competitive management learning system. This trailblazing collaboration will see IIM Sambalpur use Breakout Learning’s cutting-edge AI-enabled case platform in its MBA; Executive MBA; and Ph.D. programmes, which will be the new benchmark for digital learning in India. Premium case studies from the world’s best institutions like “Ivey and Harvard” will be accessible to students and faculty members exclusively, thereby bringing international academic excellence with high legal and financial standards. This partnership will also allow students to extend beyond adoption, fostering innovation.

Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for faculty and students at IIM Sambalpur to co-create cutting-edge management cases, hosted on Breakout Learning’s platform, positioning India as a leader in AI-driven business education. Intellectual property rights for these AI-generated cases will be jointly owned, empowering faculty with discounted access for teaching and research purposes.

Highlighting the significance of this alliance, Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur said, “Following the announcement of 500 Crores investment in AI centres of excellence in Union budget, this momentous collaboration with Breakout Learning is a game-changer for Indian management education, addressing long-standing challenges in traditional teaching methodologies. By integrating AI-driven case-based learning, we are preparing future leaders with unparalleled decision-making and analytical skills, propelling India into the global forefront of business education. As we look at global rankings, Indian B-schools are still not placed in the top 200. In terms of innovation and research, faculty members are often occupied with teaching responsibilities and don’t have enough time for research. However, with the integration of AI, teachers will receive support, allowing them more time for research, innovation, and case writing. This shift will contribute to enhancing their academic output and, ultimately, help improve global rankings.”

He further added, “With this strategic alliance, IIM Sambalpur further forges its front-runner position as an innovation-led education provider while aligning itself with India’s vision of emerging as a knowledge powerhouse and shaping the next set of management professionals ready to compete with the Harvard University in terms of Case Projects.”

Ramit Varma, CEO and Co-Founder, Breakout Learning, USA, said, “Our project involves classroom discussion, we learned that this is the optimal size for small groups. We realized this format is fundamental to our experience as humans. Learning is one of our deepest desires and needs. However, if you look at the way our classrooms are set up, they aren’t engaging. They almost feel like factories, where students are workers, and the system is a factory mindset. At Breakout Learning, we break students into small groups, focus on areas with no answers at all and then allow students to discuss among themselves creating a pool of ideas. This helps students to learn, communicate and engage. IIM Sambalpur is the first institute in India to bring transformative change and is ready to compete with Harvard University.”

He further added, “At Harvard University, the case project involves PDFs and immerses students in realistic business scenarios. However, their traditional approach, which relies on physical interactions, can be time-consuming and hectic. Additionally, students often come unprepared, while instructors are well prepared. In contrast, the integration of AI in our approach forces students to think critically, communicate, discuss, evaluate, create, implement, and innovate. This not only better prepares students for the real world but also surpasses Harvard’s traditional method in terms of engagement and effectiveness.”

Breakout Learning will ensure the smooth integration of its AI-driven platform into IIM Sambalpur’s curriculum, which will be supported by dedicated technical support. Financial agreements, including access fees and case development royalties, will be structured under a separate agreement to ensure mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.

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