UNSW has announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Deloitte India to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI and Innovation at the new UNSW Bengaluru campus, in a partnership aimed at accelerating industry-ready digital talent in India’s rapidly expanding technology sector.
The initiative brings together a globally ranked top 20 university and one of India’s leading professional services firms to create a platform that integrates education, applied research and industry engagement, with a focus on artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security and digital transformation.
UNSW said the collaboration is designed to align with India’s National Education Policy 2020 and will help prepare graduates for high-growth industries by embedding real-world learning into the student experience.
Students at UNSW Bengaluru will be exposed to industry-led projects, workplace learning and practitioner teaching, with access to Deloitte India’s AI labs, cyber simulation environments and innovation platforms.
Prof. Sarah Maddison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) at UNSW Sydney, said the partnership reflects a long-term commitment to industry-connected education and employability outcomes.
“This exciting partnership reflects UNSW’s commitment to delivering education within a connected, industry-engaged ecosystem, exposing students to hands-on applied learning and preparing graduates for the work of today and the future,” she said.
“UNSW’s strategic collaboration with Deloitte India creates pathways to accelerate students with the confidence, adaptability, and purpose required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Deloitte India Partner Kamlesh Vyas said the collaboration would strengthen the link between education and workplaces while supporting India’s broader digital transformation.
“Strengthening the link between workplaces and classrooms is a shared priority, starting with deeper integration across education, applied research and real-world practice,” he said.
The agreement also includes plans for joint applied research, with UNSW academics and Deloitte experts expected to work together on industry challenges and publish research outputs and white papers. A start-up and innovation hub will support entrepreneurship among students and staff, while future programs are expected to include executive education and professional development for working professionals.
The phased rollout of the Centre of Excellence will aim to build a pipeline of skilled graduates and support India’s position as a global technology and innovation hub, while strengthening Australia–India education and industry ties.
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