Chitkara University joins Global Academic Leaders at Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2026

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder of Chitkara University, was among the distinguished global higher education leaders who convened at the Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, on 29 September 2026, for a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in higher education.

Under the theme “The University Reset: How is South Asia Remapping Higher Education for the Age of AI?”, the panel examined the implications of artificial intelligence for traditional models of education, alongside the growing importance of interdisciplinary research, evolving industry requirements and international academic collaboration.

Sharing Chitkara University’s perspective, Dr. Chitkara highlighted the role of innovation, technology-enabled learning and industry partnerships in keeping academic learning relevant to changing professional and societal needs.

Commenting on the responsibilities of universities in this changing environment, Dr. Chitkara said, “Universities must remain responsive to technological change while ensuring that education continues to address the needs of students, industry and society. This requires meaningful collaboration with industry, relevant research and learning approaches that connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges.”

The discussion brought together perspectives on the direction of higher education across South Asia, including how institutions can respond to emerging technologies while maintaining their academic and societal responsibilities.

Dr. Chitkara’s presence at the summit forms part of Chitkara University’s engagement with international academic discussions on the evolving role of universities in education and research.