Summer 2026 Internships – Applications 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 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 Summer 2026 cohort are currently open. The internship runs from May 4, 2026, to July 24, 2026 ( 12 weeks, full-time). Applications are due Friday, March 27th, 2026. Please find the link to apply below, under “Application Process.”

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

Project Brief

Please read through the project briefs below for more details:

  1. Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning for Small Language Models

  2. Knowledge Distillation for Small Language Models

  3. Retrieval-Augmented Architectures for Small Language Models

Eligibility Criteria

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 (minimum 30 hrs a week)

  • 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 will:

  • Conduct background research and summarize findings.

  • Participate in weekly progress meetings with supervisors.

  • Develop models, run experiments, implement prototypes, and document code.

  • 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.

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.

  • 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

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

  1. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

  2. Two reference checks (either academic or professional) will be required after interviews.

The application deadline for the Summer 2026 internship is Friday, March 27th, 2026.

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