Chennai: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras will undertake a major initiative to address fundamental challenges in computing, including cryptography, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, the institute said on Monday.

The research will be anchored at the newly established Arvind Raghunathan Center for Theoretical Computer Science, supported by a ₹23 crore endowment from alumnus Arvind Raghunathan.

The initiative aims to advance the mathematical foundations of computation and tackle key issues in data security, computational complexity, algorithms and AI privacy, while enabling applications in secure digital infrastructure and trustworthy AI systems.

Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) Ashwin Mahalingam said alumni support has enabled the institute to establish centres that can enhance its national and global impact.

Raghunathan said the centre would provide future generations access to world-class research and faculty in theoretical computer science.

According to the institute, the centre will expand research beyond traditional cybersecurity to include cryptographic systems, quantum computing, optimisation and AI/ML theory. The work is expected to support emerging areas such as secure AI systems, blockchain technologies and quantum-safe cryptography.

Centre Coordinator Shweta Agrawal said the initiative would foster collaboration among researchers across disciplines and build a global research community focused on foundational scientific questions.

The centre will also promote international collaborations, workshops and thematic programmes, aiming to position IIT Madras among leading global institutions in theoretical computer science.

For the 2025-30 period, the initiative targets publishing at least 10 research papers annually, mentoring 10 research scholars each year, producing up to eight PhDs annually in later phases, and hosting multiple national and international academic events, the institute added.