Pioneering transformative, ethical, and contextually-aware Artificial Intelligence solutions for East Africa
The SAAIL Lab is dedicated to pioneering transformative, ethical, and contextually-aware Artificial Intelligence solutions that leverage local strengths and collaborations. We focus on revolutionizing Sustainable Agriculture through AI, enhancing food security, and improving farmer livelihoods in East Africa.
To become a leading research hub in the region, conducting world-class research, developing locally attuned innovations, cultivating future AI leaders, and forging impactful strategic partnerships with institutions like the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras.
- Precision Crop Management: Deep learning for quality grading of agricultural products
- Agricultural Data Ecosystems: Comprehensive dataset creation for AI applications
- Supply Chain Innovation: Blockchain technology for traceability and transparency
- International PhD Programs: Collaborative research with global institutions
- Medical Image Analysis: AI-powered diagnostics and neonatal outcome prediction
- Assistive Technologies: Low-cost, edge AI solutions for accessibility
- Environmental AI: Air quality monitoring and public health applications
- Healthcare Informatics: Innovative solutions for healthcare delivery
- Ethical AI for Africa: Context-aware frameworks for African applications
- CARA-FMs Development: Contextually-Aware Responsible AI Framework Models
- Responsible Innovation: Ensuring AI development serves community needs
- Prime Directives for AI: Establishing ethical guidelines for AI in Africa
| Project | Description | Status | Collaborators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Deep Learning for Zanzibar Cloves | Fine-grained quality grading using advanced computer vision | Active | Mr. Patrick Ndowo (MTech) |
| 🏥 Placental Imaging AI | 2D ultrasound analysis for neonatal outcomes | Active | Ms. Twamaa Makame (MTech), Penn State University |
| 👁️ E-Vision Assistive Tech | AI application for visually impaired individuals | Active | Mr. Shivam Vyas (MTech), Cadre Technologies |
| 📊 Agricultural Data Ecosystems | Dataset creation for cardamom, millets, and walnuts | Active | RuTAG IIT Madras Chennai |
| 🔗 Blockchain Spice Supply Chain | Traceability for Zanzibar's spice industry | Exploration | Local Partners |
| 🌍 AI-Driven Air Quality Monitoring | Environmental health applications | Initiation | Dr. Sathish R. S. (Columbia University) |
Dr. Innocent Nyalala - Founding Principal Investigator (Prospective)
- Assistant Professor, IIT Madras Zanzibar
- PhD in Agricultural Electrification & Automation, Nanjing Agricultural University
- 22+ Publications, 830+ Citations, h-index: 13
- Patrick Vincent Ndowo (MTech) - Deep Learning for Agricultural Quality Assessment
- Twamaa Hababuu Makame (MTech) - Medical Imaging and AI
- Shivam Vyas (MTech) - Assistive Technologies and Edge AI
- Prof. Suni 8000 l Aryal (Deakin University) - Cotutelle PhD Program
- Dr. Soumya Banerjee (University of Cambridge) - Responsible AI
- Dr. Sathish R. S. (Columbia University) - Environmental AI
- Prof. Nirav Bhatt (IIT Madras Zanzibar) - Ethical AI Frameworks
| Institution | Country | Collaboration Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Deakin University | 🇦🇺 Australia | Cotutelle PhD on AI/IoT in Agriculture |
| Penn State University | 🇺🇸 USA | PlacentaVision Medical Imaging |
| Columbia University | 🇺🇸 USA | AI-driven Air Quality Monitoring |
| University of Cambridge | 🇬🇧 UK | Responsible AI Framework Development |
| Nanjing Agricultural University | 🇨🇳 China | Agricultural Technology Research |
- 📚 22+ Research Articles published in high-impact journals
- 📊 830+ Citations across research publications
- 🎯 h-index: 13 demonstrating research influence
- 🌟 Impact Factor Journals: Including Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (7.7), Journal of Food Engineering (5.3), Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture (8.2)
- Cassava Disease Detection: Advanced deep learning for agricultural diagnostics
- Chicken Carcass Volume Estimation: 3D reconstruction for poultry processing
- Signal Modulation in Agriculture: Novel approaches to crop disease classification
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Computer Vision & Image Processing
- Deep Learning & Neural Networks
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Blockchain Technology
- 3D Reconstruction & Depth Imaging
- Precision Agriculture
- Medical Imaging
- Assistive Technologies
- Environmental Monitoring
- Supply Chain Management
- MTech Supervision: Currently supervising 3 MTech students
- PhD Opportunities: Cotutelle programs with international universities
- Research Internships: Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students
- Visiting Researcher Programs: Collaborative research opportunities
- Journal Reviewing: 9+ prestigious journals including Nature Scientific Reports, Elsevier journals
- Committee Membership: MTech Project Committee, Faculty Recruitment Committee
- Administrative Roles: In-Charge of Computing Resources at IIT Madras Zanzibar
- Cotutelle PhD Program: International collaboration with Deakin University
- CARA-FMs Framework: Theoretical frameworks for context-aware AI
- Prime Directives for Responsible AI: Collaborative research on ethical AI for Africa
- Deep Learning Indaba 2025: Research submissions and participation
- Establish SAAIL Lab as a leading AI research hub in East Africa
- Develop locally relevant AI solutions for agricultural challenges
- Foster international collaborations and knowledge exchange
- Train the next generation of AI researchers and practitioners
We welcome collaborations with:
- Academic Institutions - Research partnerships and student exchanges
- Industry Partners - Technology transfer and innovation projects
- Government Agencies - Policy development and implementation support
- NGOs & Development Organizations - Community-focused AI applications
- 📧 Email: innocent@iitmz.ac.in
- 🏛️ Address: IIT Madras Zanzibar, Bweleo, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- 🌐 Website: saaillab.github.io
- 👨🔬 Principal Investigator: Dr. Innocent Nyalala
This repository contains the source code for the SAAIL Lab website. The research and educational content is shared for academic and research purposes.
If you reference our work, please cite:
SAAIL Lab - Sustainable AI for Agriculture & Intelligent Livelihoods
IIT Madras Zanzibar, Tanzania
Principal Investigator: Dr. Innocent Nyalala
Website: https://saaillab.github.io
🌱 Growing the Future of AI in Agriculture 🌱
Transforming East African agriculture through ethical AI innovation
