Posted by Bangalore: Avnet India, a global technology distributor and solutions provider, has partnered with India’s National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. The partnership focuses on Avnet India’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. And its expertise in AI-driven solutions for critical sustainability projects and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Avnet India is working closely with NITK’s Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), on three impactful sustainability projects, utilizing AI and machine learning (ML) technologies.
AI-assisted Real-time Landslide Detection and Alerting System: This project uses AI techniques and Avnet’s development boards to provide early detection and timely alerts for landslides, helping to protect lives and property in high-risk areas like the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
Automated Bird Identification and Survey System: Using deep learning, this system automates bird species identification from audio and video recordings, streamlining data collection in challenging environments and supporting conservation research.
Automated Bird Sound Identification for Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: This innovative system aims to detect and identify bird sounds to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. By integrating ML, the system enhances detection capabilities at checkpoints and contributes to preserving biodiversity by identifying bird calls in flight baggage.
As part of this tie-up, Avnet India also helped to upgrade NITK’s Electronic Systems Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital oscilloscopes and AI-embedded development boards, which will be vital for advancing these sustainability solutions. The upgraded lab was officially opened on April 16, 2025.
Through such collaborations, Avnet has aimed at addressing pressing environmental and societal issues.
“Our partnership with NITK Surathkal highlights Avnet India’s commitment to our global ESG strategy,” said Suresh Kamath, MD – Avnet India.
“We are passionate about harnessing technology for environmental and community impact. The innovative solutions we are developing together—particularly in landslide detection and bird conservation—align perfectly with our goals of fostering a sustainable future and preserving biodiversity,” added Kamath.
“We are excited to collaborate with Avnet India on these groundbreaking sustainability projects. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, we aim to address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges, from landslide detection to wildlife preservation,” commented NITK’s HOD of ECE.