The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has announced its collaboration with Breakout Learning Inc., a global leader in AI-driven digital case study solutions. This partnership is poised to transform how management education is delivered, marking a significant step towards positioning India as a global hub for technology-driven business learning.
The alliance aims to make India a leader in technology-enhanced management education, aligning with the government’s push to invest 500 Crore in AI Centers of Excellence as part of the Union Budget 2025. It will include Breakout Learning’s AI-enabled platform into IIM Sambalpur’s MBA, Executive MBA, and PhD programmes, establishing a new standard in digital learning in the country. Students and professors will get exclusive access to premium case studies from world-renowned schools such as Harvard and Ivey, helping to improve educational quality and encourage global academic standards in India.
The partnership also opens new avenues for co-creating innovative management cases. Faculty and students at IIM Sambalpur will work together to develop cases hosted on Breakout Learning’s platform. These AI-generated cases will have joint intellectual property rights, giving IIM Sambalpur faculty discounted access to the materials for teaching and research purposes.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:
This is a game-changer for Indian management education. He pointed out that traditional teaching methods have long hindered innovation and research in Indian B-schools. IIM Sambalpur aims to prepare future leaders with unparalleled decision-making and analytical skills by integrating AI-driven case-based learning.
Prof. Jaiswal added:
Indian B-schools have yet to secure spots in the top 200 global rankings. One reason for this is that faculty members often lack the time and resources to focus on research and innovation due to teaching pressures. With AI integration, our faculty will receive substantial support, freeing them to engage in research and case writing, ultimately boosting India’s global academic reputation.
Breakout Learning believes that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a strong instrument for reviving the lost art of conversation and scale evaluation. Its AI-powered platform for small group discussions marks the beginning of a new era in education. Its content is designed to spark meaningful small-group debates, which AI evaluates. This strategy provides teachers with AI-driven insights that engage students and enrich presentations. Students engage in learning that informs and encourages critical thinking and peer engagement.
Ramit Varma, CEO and Co-Founder of Breakout Learning, also shared his perspective on the collaboration, saying:
IIM Sambalpur is the first institution in India to adopt this transformative approach and is now ready to compete with Harvard University. Traditional methods have drawbacks: Students often arrive unprepared, and instructors are well-prepared. In contrast, Breakout Learning’s AI-driven approach encourages students to think critically, innovate, and engage deeply, offering a more effective and engaging learning experience.
Breakout Learning will ensure seamless integration of its AI-driven platform into IIM Sambalpur’s curriculum, which is backed by dedicated technical support. The partnership’s financial terms, including access fees and case development royalties, will be structured in a separate agreement to ensure long-term sustainability and mutual benefit for both parties.
According to Prof Jaiswal, this collaboration strengthens IIM Sambalpur’s position as an innovation-led education provider, aligning with India’s broader vision of becoming a knowledge powerhouse.
The association between IIM Sambalpur and Breakout Learning Inc. aims to change management education in India by merging AI technology and globally competitive learning methods. AI-driven case studies will improve educational quality, give students essential exposure to global business settings, and allow them to engage in a more profound, meaningful learning process.
