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Which Babylonian academies helped develop the Babylonian Talmud?

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The development of the Babylonian Talmud was centered in several key academies in Babylonia, where scholars known as amoraim engaged in the study and interpretation of the Mishna.12

The foundational work began in the academies of Sura and Nehardea, established by Rav (Abba Arika) and Samuel bar Abba, respectively. Over time, additional influential centers of learning were founded, most notably:12

Pumbedita: Known for its emphasis on casuistry.1
Mahoza: Founded by Rava.1
Naresh: Founded by Rav Pappa.1

These institutions served as the primary environments where the discussions, decisions, and commentaries that comprise the Gemara were developed over several centuries. Students often moved between these academies, and the heads of the academies at Sura and Pumbedita, known as the geonim, later played a significant role in the tradition surrounding the completion of the text.1