“Our ambition is to connect talent and opportunities and work with Indian partners to advance research, accelerate innovation and build the workforce capabilities needed by both countries,” points out Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor – International and External Engagement, Adelaide University.
Beyond Student Market
This broader approach is also reflected in the National Education Policy 2020. The university already works with IIT Madras through a bilateral mobility programme and the Joint Partnership Fund and also partners with IISc Bangalore, O P Jindal Global University and Anna University. Through a Maitri-supported partnership, Adelaide University’s ThincLab and O P Jindal Global University’s IDEATE Lab also connect founders and incubator teams from both countries.
At the ThincLab centre, ideas move beyond the laboratory into the marketplace through collaborative research. For example, Adelaide University researchers are working with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education on innovative diagnostic technologies to address multi-drug resistant infections, combining Adelaide University expertise in microbiology and infectious diseases with India’s clinical and research capability. “These models allow organisations to combine their strengths and expertise and accelerate the journey from research to real-world impact,” highlights Gallagher.
The Start Up Bridge
The partnership is also creating new pathways for innovation. TAV Electric, an Australian electric-mobility startup founded in South Australia combines Australian technology with Indian manufacturing and market capabilities. (Read more about TAV Electric on page 24-25). Through its relationships with IITM, IISc Bangalore and O P Jindal Global University, Adelaide University helps companies such as Myriota, Inovor Technologies and Southern Launch build connections with researchers, talent and industry networks in India. This shows that opportunity is not simply to enter a new market but to become part of an innovation ecosystem. “For Indian start-ups, South Australia offers access to world-class research capability, specialist industries, mentoring, investors and industry networks,” points out Gallagher.
The Adelaide-Tamil Nadu Corridor
These also create opportunities for closer collaboration between South Australia and Tamil Nadu. The state brings together a strong knowledge base and a deep industrial ecosystem, making it a natural partner for Adelaide University’s capabilities in emerging technologies. “Success will not be measured simply by the number of agreements signed, but by the people, ideas, technologies, jobs and partnerships that are created,” Gallagher notes. The Adelaide–Tamil Nadu corridor can integrate education, research, entrepreneurship and industry, enabling talent and companies to work across both markets.
The Adelaide–Tamil Nadu partnership also has a workforce dimension. As industries evolve rapidly, Gallagher stresses the need for skills in emerging technologies, adaptability and problem-solving. Adelaide University can help develop these capabilities among students and researchers, while creating opportunities for collaboration in AI, research, technology and industry applications.
“Geopolitics inevitably shapes international environment, but the Australia-India strategic relationship provides a strong foundation for cooperation in research, critical and emerging technologies, clean energy and workforce development,’’ points out Gallagher. On the whole, the goal is to shape future generations and industry leaders while contributing to the innovation and economic priorities of both countries.