SETU initiative blends artificial intelligence with community care to support over 20,000 students
In a groundbreaking move to tackle rising mental health challenges among students, IIT Kharagpur has announced the launch of SETU (Student Emotional Transformation Unit)—an AI-powered mental wellness initiative. The program aims to detect early signs of emotional distress and reduce suicide risks through a combination of technology and human-centered support.
Image Credit: Dwaipayan Roy
What Is SETU?
The SETU platform includes:
- An AI check-in app that allows students to self-assess their emotional well-being through daily mood tracking and private digital conversations.
- A non-intrusive feedback system that sends subtle alerts to counselors when students show signs of persistent stress or negative emotions.
- “Campus Moms” initiative: Specially trained female support staff who offer a nurturing, non-judgmental space for students to talk freely.
This hybrid approach ensures that both technology and empathy are used to create a safer academic environment.
Why It Matters
- IIT Kharagpur, like many top Indian institutions, has witnessed multiple student suicides in recent years.
- The institute is aiming to scale SETU across 23 IITs and 200+ universities nationwide if successful.
- Mental health experts see SETU as a potential national model for emotional care in higher education.
Nationwide Impact Potential
The initiative was inspired by ongoing mental health efforts at institutions like IIT Madras, and will officially launch on July 25, 2025, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. The institute will also evaluate the tool’s impact quarterly and adjust the AI model based on student feedback.
Source: Times of India – AI tool, ‘campus moms’ to curb IIT Kharagpur student deaths
