Fall 2025 Internships – Applications Now Open

The Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (IAAIR) is dedicated to advancing AI research and real-world applications across industries. Our mission is to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical deployment by creating innovative, scalable, and impactful AI solutions. We collaborate with industry leaders, researchers, and technology experts to address complex challenges in AI, robotics, automation, and data science.

If you are passionate about solving real-world challenges using Applied AI and eager to gain hands-on research experience, the IAAIR Applied Research Internship offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, develop practical applications, and collaborate with leading AI researchers and industry experts.

Internship Intake

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are currently open. The internship runs from 22 September – 12 December 2025 (12 weeks, full-time).

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Project Tracks

Interns will contribute to one of five projects, falling into two distinct tracks:

Qualitative Research Projects

Qualitative research focuses on understanding human, cultural, and organizational perspectives through interviews, surveys, thematic analysis, and case studies rather than coding or algorithm development. These projects emphasize insight generation, frameworks, and research synthesis.

Technical / Applied AI Projects

These projects require strong coding, mathematical, and technical skills, focusing on developing, testing, and deploying AI models.

Eligibility Criteria

Because the internship spans two distinct tracks, the eligibility differs slightly:

For Qualitative Research Projects

Applicants should:

  • Be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a degree in: Social Sciences, Science & Technology Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related fields.

  • Have strong skills in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups, thematic coding).

  • Demonstrate ability to synthesize insights into structured frameworks and reports.

  • Possess excellent written communication skills for academic and policy audiences.

  • Have a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence and a willingness to learn about AI technologies and their societal impact.

  • Interest in domains such as agriculture, disaster response, or technology adoption is highly desirable.

For Technical / Applied AI Projects

Applicants should:

  • Be pursuing a degree in: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics & Mechatronics, Mathematics & Statistics, or Electrical & Electronic Engineering.

  • Hold a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

  • Have proficiency in Python and libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib.

  • Possess foundational knowledge of machine learning or quantum computing (depending on project).

  • Prior exposure to research projects, open-source contributions, or publications is desirable.

Important Notes:

  • This internship is not affiliated with any university. However, if selected, IAAIR can provide the necessary documentation required by your university to facilitate credit recognition (if applicable) or internship approval. It is the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with their university and ensure that the internship aligns with their academic or professional requirements.

  • IAAIR does not provide visa sponsorships or visa-related letters. Applicants must have the legal right to work or intern in their respective locations and are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all visa, immigration, and work authorization requirements.

Internship Details

  • Duration: 12 weeks

  • Commitment: Full-time

  • Internship Type: Unpaid, undertaken for educational and professional experience

  • Mode: Remote and on-site options available (On-site internships will be at IAAIR headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA)

Intern Responsibilities

All interns, regardless of track, will:

  • Conduct background research and summarize findings.

  • Participate in weekly progress meetings with supervisors.

  • Deliver a mid-term presentation (Week 6).

  • Deliver a final presentation and demo/report (Week 12).

  • Submit a final research report documenting methodologies, results, and insights.

Track-specific responsibilities:

  • Qualitative: designing interview protocols, analyzing survey/interview data, writing case studies, producing comparative insights.

  • Technical: developing models, running experiments, implementing prototypes, documenting code.

Internship Completion & Certificate

Interns who successfully complete the program will receive an Internship Completion Certificate. The certificate will be issued only after:

  1. The final presentation has been delivered at the end of the internship.

  2. The final report has been submitted and reviewed by IAAIR.

Failure to complete these requirements will result in no certificate being issued.

Benefits of the Internship

This internship provides applied research experience and will:

  • Gain hands-on research experience in applied AI (both technical and societal dimensions).

  • Build expertise in either AI model development or qualitative analysis of AI adoption.

  • Strengthen research communication, writing, and presentation skills.

  • Contribute to projects with potential for academic publication or industry adoption.

  • Network with researchers, industry professionals, and global collaborators.

Application Process

Apply online (select Qualitative or Technical track). The applications must be submitted here.

  1. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

  2. Technical candidates may have an additional coding/research round.

  3. Final stage includes reference checks (two required).

Should there be any further questions, please get in touch at internships@iaair.ai