HCLTech Joins MIT Media Lab to advance AI research and innovation

Indian IT services major HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab, aiming to co-develop advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and accelerate innovation across emerging technology domains.

As part of the engagement, HCLTech will gain access to the Media Lab’s interdisciplinary research network and collaborate with leading faculty, researchers, and technologists. The focus will primarily be on next-generation AI systems, with potential extensions into adjacent fields such as quantum computing and human-computer interaction.

“This partnership aligns with our commitment to shaping the future of AI through collaborative innovation,” said Vijay Guntur, Chief Technology Officer and head of ecosystems at HCLTech. “Working with MIT Media Lab’s world-class faculty will allow us to jointly build scalable AI solutions with meaningful real-world impact.”

The MIT Media Lab, known globally for its cutting-edge research across AI, robotics, and digital technology, is part of MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning. Through its member companies, it fosters cross-industry innovation by combining academic inquiry with practical applications.

Jessica Rosenworcel, Executive Director of the MIT Media Lab, calls it a “pivotal moment in the evolution of AI.” She added, “Their commitment to applied AI aligns well with our mission to design technologies that empower humanity.”

The collaboration is expected to deepen HCLTech’s focus on building responsible AI frameworks and catalyze efforts to develop forward-looking digital solutions across industries.

The move comes close on the heels of L&T Technology Services (LTTS) signing a multi-year membership agreement with the Media Lab last week. LTTS aims to leverage the partnership to drive AI innovation in mobility, sustainability, and digital engineering. The engineering services company also plans to host global programs, including the Digital Engineering Awards, at the Media Lab to boost global R&D collaborations.

For HCLTech, this latest partnership further reinforces its strategy of aligning with premier research institutions to stay ahead in the fast-evolving AI landscape, amid increasing enterprise demand for automation, intelligent systems, and AI-led transformation.