Vadodara: Artificial intelligence (AI), data science and emerging technology programmes are witnessing a major push across Gujarat, with universities rapidly introducing specialised courses to tap growing student demand and industry requirements.From integrated data science degrees to AI-driven management programmes and quantum computing specialisations, institutions are racing to position themselves in the future-tech education space.The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) has announced two new programmes from the 2026-27 academic year — a two-year MSc in advanced computing with 20 seats and a five-year integrated MSc in data science with 60 seats.Authorities at the Faculty of Science said the programmes aim to move beyond conventional curricula through advanced, skill-intensive and research-oriented learning.Faculty dean prof Vipul A Kalamkar said the initiative reflects a shift towards specialisation-driven education.GSFC University is also introducing several new programmes with AI and data science integration.P K Taneja, president of GSFC University, they were launching a BBA-MBA integrated programme with AI in business with 30 seats and an integrated BSc-MSc in data science with 35 seats.The university has also introduced interdisciplinary science programmes where students can pursue minor degrees in AI, data science and project management alongside core science subjects.The AI-focused business programme will integrate AI applications across marketing, finance, human resource management and operations, while also training students in analytics software, AI-driven business tools and digital decision-making systems through internships, live projects and industry interaction.Parul University (PU), which already offers multiple AI and data science-related engineering programmes, has introduced three new courses from the 2026-27 academic year — BTech in computer science and engineering (quantum computing in AI), BTech in artificial intelligence & data science with quantum computing, and BTech in quantum computing.“We are seeing a sharp rise in demand for futuristic and interdisciplinary technology programmes,” said Dr Swapnil Parikh, dean, Faculty of Engineering, PU.Parikh said demand for AI-focused programmes has been rising steadily at the university. Enrolment in BTech AI and data science increased from 637 students in 2024-25 to 697 in 2025-26, while 163 students have already enrolled for the current academic year even as the admission process is on.Navrachana University also offers programmes including BSc in data science, BBA (honours) in business analytics and BSc MSc integrated computer science (AI-ML) programme.The trend is similar in education town Vallabh Vidyanagar where Shri D N Institute of Business Administration has launched an MBA in AI and ERP in collaboration with Odoo.
