Pioneering transformative, ethical, and contextually-aware Artificial Intelligence solutions for East Africa. Revolutionizing sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and improving farmer livelihoods through cutting-edge AI research and innovation.
Precision crop management and sustainable farming solutions
Medical imaging and assistive technologies
Ethical frameworks and contextually-aware solutions
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.
As the prospective Founding Principal Investigator, Dr. Nyalala is establishing the SAAIL Lab at IIT Madras Zanzibar with a vision to create transformative AI solutions for sustainable agriculture and intelligent livelihoods in East Africa. The lab has been actively conducting research since October 2024.
Host Institution
IIT Madras Chennai
Australia - Cotutelle PhD Program
USA - PlacentaVision Collaboration
Environmental AI Research
Responsible AI Framework
Our research focuses on three key areas that address critical challenges in East Africa and beyond, with initiatives launched since October 2024.
Developing AI solutions to revolutionize agriculture through precision crop management, agricultural data ecosystems, and supply chain innovation.
Leveraging AI expertise for healthcare informatics, assistive technologies, and environmental monitoring to improve quality of life.
Developing ethical AI frameworks specifically designed for African contexts, ensuring responsible and contextually-aware AI development.
Cotutelle PhD on AI/IoT in Agriculture and Sustainability
PlacentaVision Medical Imaging Collaboration
AI-driven Air Quality Index Monitoring
Responsible AI Framework Development
Active research projects and initiatives driving innovation in AI for agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.
Leading MTech project with Mr. Patrick Ndowo focusing on precision crop management through advanced deep learning techniques for quality assessment of Zanzibar's premium clove production.
AI-powered medical image analysis for neonatal outcome prediction, part of CPHK collaboration (Pemba) and forthcoming work with PlacentaVision (Penn State University).
Developing low-cost, low-latency edge AI solutions for assistive technologies, in collaboration with Cadre Technologies to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired.
Collaborating with RuTAG (IIT Madras Chennai) on comprehensive dataset creation for AI applications in agriculture, focusing on cardamom, millets, and walnuts.
Exploring blockchain technology to enhance traceability and transparency in Zanzibar's valuable spice supply chain, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Initiating collaboration with Dr. Sathish R. S. (Columbia University) on AI-driven environmental monitoring with implications for public health.
International PhD program development with Deakin University on "AI/IoT in Agriculture and Sustainability"
Developing theoretical frameworks for context-aware and ethical AI for East Africa (Submitted to Deep Learning Indaba 2025)
Collaborative research on responsible AI frameworks for Africa (Accepted at DSA 2025 Africa-Nigeria, June 2025)
Meet the researchers and students driving innovation at SAAIL Lab.
IIT Madras Zanzibar
Dr. Nyalala is establishing the SAAIL Lab with a vision to create transformative AI solutions for sustainable agriculture and intelligent livelihoods in East Africa. With expertise in AI, machine learning, and agricultural technology, he leads multidisciplinary research initiatives that bridge technology and real-world impact.
MTech Student
Project: Deep Learning for Fine-Grained Quality Grading of Zanzibar Cloves
MTech Student
Project: Placental Weight & Volume Estimation from 2D Ultrasound
MTech Student
Project: E-Vision: Intelligent Assistive Application for Visually Impaired
Deakin University, Australia
Cotutelle PhD Program - AI/IoT in Agriculture
University of Cambridge, UK
Responsible AI for Africa Research
Columbia University, USA
AI-driven Air Quality Monitoring
IIT Madras Zanzibar
Ethical AI Frameworks
University of Salford, UK
Responsible AI Development
Cadre Technologies
Industry Mentor - Assistive Technologies
We welcome passionate researchers, students, and collaborators who share our vision of creating impactful AI solutions for sustainable development in East Africa.
PhD and MTech positions in AI for Agriculture and Healthcare
Partnerships with leading universities and research institutions
Collaborative projects with technology companies and NGOs
Get in touch with SAAIL Lab for research collaborations, student opportunities, or partnership inquiries.
SAAIL Lab
IIT Madras Zanzibar
Bweleo, Zanzibar
Tanzania
Dr. Innocent Nyalala
Founding Principal Investigator (Prospective)
IIT Madras Zanzibar
Interested in collaborative research?
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We offer positions for:
SAAIL Lab is located at IIT Madras Zanzibar, strategically positioned to serve as a research hub for East Africa. Our location in Zanzibar provides unique access to agricultural challenges and opportunities in the region, particularly in spice production and sustainable farming practices.