The urgent need to tackle pollution and ensure sustainable urban development took centre stage at the two-day National Conference on Innovative AI Solutions for Sustainable Cities, which concluded on Tuesday at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur. The conference, jointly hosted by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur, and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, served as a pivotal platform for addressing India’s burgeoning urban challenges, emphasising the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mitigating environmental impact and fostering eco-friendly urban growth.

The opening ceremony on the second day of the conference saw an august gathering of thought leaders. Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak, vice chancellor of CSJMU, Prof Sachchida Nand Tripathi, K Vijayendra Pandian, and the chief guest, Prof TG Sitharaman, participated in setting the tone for the day. Prof Pathak’s address highlighted India’s sustainable practices rooted in its ancient traditions, particularly the Sanatan way of living, which has gained global attention for its alignment with ecological responsibility.

AI as augmented intelligence for sustainable development

The conference’s keynote speaker, Prof TG Sitharaman, emphasised AI’s transformative potential for urban planning. Drawing attention to the intersection of technology and sustainability, he spoke about “Augmented Intelligence", where AI serves as an extension of human capabilities rather than replacing them. He praised India’s pool of young innovators and researchers, highlighting the role of premier institutions like the IITs in fostering cutting-edge solutions that can alleviate the environmental challenges faced by urban spaces.

A prominent session on the intersection of AI and environmental issues was led by Dr Anand Hiremath, global head of sustainability at IRQS. He explained how AI can help cities monitor pollution levels, optimise waste management systems, and manage urban water resources more efficiently. AI’s role in achieving India’s Net Zero by 2070 target was also emphasised, with a special focus on the contribution of AI startups. Prof Sachchida Nand Tripathi, during a special recognition segment, highlighted over 100 startups that have emerged at the intersection of AI and sustainability.

Challenges of sustainable urban development in India

The guest of honour, Sunil Kumar, joint commissioner of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, discussed the complex challenges that brownfield cities like Kanpur face. He pointed out that many of India’s cities, including Kanpur, have developed organically, preserving their historical identity while struggling to modernise. Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, he advocated for an integrated approach that combines rural planning with urban growth, suggesting that if rural artisans and workers are given fair wages and opportunities, migration to cities could be reduced, thus reducing urban pressure and promoting sustainability.

The second day of the conference was marked by a rich array of technical sessions, workshops, and case studies that explored AI applications in real-life urban settings. A particularly engaging session focused on creating water-positive campuses and achieving net-zero carbon footprints, showcasing the various ways in which AI can contribute to water conservation and energy efficiency in cities.

Delegates were also exposed to a case study on Smart Cities, where commissioners and CEOs from urban centres across India discussed practical AI implementations for urban governance and management. The Startups Pitch Session introduced AI-driven innovations, where the focus was on creating eco-friendly products and managing urban waste through advanced technologies. Notably, Nachiket Kuntla, R&D head of Phool, demonstrated how AI is being integrated into the production of eco-friendly products, highlighting how technology can enable sustainable business practices.

 

Previous day’s event at IIT Kanpur

The event’s first day, held at IIT Kanpur, was equally impactful. The inaugural session featured prominent figures such as Satish Mahana, speaker of the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly, and Prof Manindra Agrawal, director of IIT Kanpur. They set the stage for discussions centred on AI’s potential to address the rapidly growing urbanisation and pollution challenges faced by Indian cities. Prof Agrawal highlighted the need for smarter cities to harness AI for optimising infrastructure and resource management. Chetan Savla, head of sustainability at Kotak Mahindra Bank, also took the opportunity to talk about the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and their relationship to sustainable urbanisation.

Keynote addresses from experts like Dr Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, and Prof KK Pant, director of IIT Roorkee, explored the importance of AI in aligning urban development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the global challenges of waste generation and energy efficiency. Corey Glickman, founder of Greenman Black, also discussed the integration of sustainable practices with local infrastructure and how AI can boost the efficiency of urban systems.

Collaboration and innovation

The valedictory session underscored the importance of industry-academia collaboration to drive the implementation of AI solutions in urban development. Leaders in academia, such as Prof Pathak, emphasised the necessity of including AI-based skill development programmes in higher education to equip students with the skills required to address urban sustainability challenges.

The conference concluded with Shivam Dixit from the Association of Indian Universities thanking all participants and acknowledging the significant contributions made by both the speakers and the attendees. The key takeaway from the conference was that India, with its vibrant startup ecosystem, innovative academic institutions, and policy support, is well-positioned to lead the world in AI-driven sustainable urban development. The discussions held over the two days are expected to catalyse further collaborations, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable cities shortly.