CHRIST (Deemed to be University) has announced a strategic collaboration with Salesforce, the #1 Agentic AI CRM*, to establish the Salesforce AI Innovation Lab and Academia Centre of Excellence. The collaboration reinforces the University’s commitment to advancing AI, digital innovation and enterprise technology by equipping students and faculty with industry-relevant education and skills.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in CHRIST University’s journey to becoming a globally recognised hub for AI education, research, innovation, and enterprise technology. Through the Salesforce AI Innovation Lab, students will gain hands-on experience building agentic AI solutions and enterprise workflows on Salesforce. This will equip them with practical, industry-relevant skills for high-demand roles across the global AI and Salesforce ecosystem.
Built around Salesforce’s enterprise technologies, including Agentforce, Data 360 and Tableau Next, the university will provide students and faculty with immersive learning experiences using technologies that are transforming businesses worldwide. Through Salesforce’s Trailhead learning platform, learners will have access to industry-recognised learning pathways, role-based training, and opportunities to earn globally valued credentials, enabling them to build practical expertise in AI and enterprise technologies. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, the collaboration will foster innovation, strengthen interdisciplinary research, promote entrepreneurship, and equip graduates with future-ready AI and digital skills.
Comments on the news:
Dr. Fr. Jose C.C., Vice Chancellor, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), said “Artificial Intelligence is redefining every discipline and every profession. At CHRIST University, our vision is not merely to teach AI, but to embed it meaningfully into learning, research, innovation, governance, and societal development. Our partnership with Salesforce is a defining step towards realizing our AI Vision 2030, creating an environment where students and faculty engage with globally relevant enterprise technologies, foster responsible innovation, and develop solutions that create lasting impact. As a leader in helping organizations become agentic enterprises, Salesforce is an ideal partner to equip our students with the enterprise AI capabilities and real-world experience that industry increasingly demands. We are committed to preparing graduates who will not simply embrace the future, but lead it with competence, creativity, and integrity.”
Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director at Salesforce India, said “The future of AI will be shaped not just by technology, but by the people who know how to apply it responsibly and at scale. Universities play a pivotal role in cultivating this talent. Through our collaboration with CHRIST University, we are creating opportunities for students and educators to engage with enterprise AI, gain hands-on experience, and develop the skills needed to solve real-world challenges. This partnership is about preparing leaders who will drive meaningful transformation across industries.”
The partnership further strengthens CHRIST University’s long-standing commitment to industry collaboration and future-focused education, reaffirming its vision of building an AI-powered university where technology, research, innovation, and human values converge to develop the next generation of global leaders and changemakers.