Ajay Kapur

Ajay Kapur serves as Associate Provost for Creative Technologies and Director of the Music Technology program (MTIID) at California Institute of the Arts. With an interdisciplinary background spanning computer science, electrical engineering, and music, he bridges technological innovation with artistic expression through leadership in academic programs and entrepreneurial ventures.

His research centers on symbiotic human-machine interaction for artistic creation, particularly exploring computer improvisation with humans through Indian Classical music frameworks. This manifests in developing programmable mechatronic instruments, sensor-based interfaces, and AI-driven systems for musical expression. His work extends traditional techniques while creating new performance paradigms like the globally touring Machine Orchestra and KarmetiK Orchestra.

Kapur's recent publications reveal evolving expertise from music robotics to blockchain applications, with significant focus on NFT systems, tokenization, and immersive environments. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent innovation at the intersection of artistic practice and emerging technologies.

As an educator and entrepreneur, he has co-founded companies in edtech and AI while authoring foundational texts like Digitizing North Indian Music and Introduction to Programming for Musicians and Digital Artists. His performances at venues including LACMA, Singapore Arts Festival, and the 2010 Winter Olympics showcase practical applications of his research.