The AI for Sustainable Cities thematic area at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur is anchored by the Airawat Research Foundation (ARF), a National Centre of Excellence supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

ARF focuses on leveraging AI and data-driven technologies to address key urban challenges such as air quality, mobility, energy, water, and waste management. It develops scalable, technology-led solutions to improve urban governance and service delivery.

Through collaboration with government, industry, and academia, the Centre aims to build sustainable, resilient, and future-ready cities.