The University of Melbourne has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) to establish a Centre for Emerging Technologies in southern India, strengthening Australia–India collaboration in quantum computing, agri-tech, research and workforce development.
The new centre will be located at Tamil Nadu Knowledge City in Tiruvallur and will occupy a dedicated 20,000-square-foot research and teaching facility within the precinct’s knowledge tower.
The partnership will focus on collaborative research, curriculum development, workforce training and industry-led innovation in emerging technologies. Research activities will span basic, applied and translational research, undertaken in partnership with industry.
The initiative will also support industry-aligned education through certification programmes, joint research and development projects, prototyping, pilot testing, technical workshops, exchange programmes and dual-certification courses designed to strengthen links between academia and industry.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Prof. Michael Wesley said the agreement marked an important step in deepening the university’s engagement with India’s innovation ecosystem.
“We look forward to partnering with TIDCO and our colleagues in India on this initiative,” Prof. Wesley said.
“This MoU reflects a shared commitment to learn from one another and work together in ways that support research, skills development and innovation for the benefit of our societies. By collaborating in quantum computing and agri-tech within Tamil Nadu’s vibrant industrial ecosystem, we hope to contribute to practical solutions, create new opportunities and help build a stronger future for people in India and Australia.”
In a separate statement, Prof. Wesley said the new Centre for Emerging Technologies would bring together researchers, industry and students to collaborate on future-focused technologies.
“I look forward to seeing this collaboration catalyse innovation, strengthen connections and deliver solutions that create lasting value for India and Australia,” he said.
TIDCO Chairman and Managing Director Dr D. Karthikeyan said the partnership would position Tamil Nadu as a global destination for research and development in emerging technologies.
“This partnership marks a transformative moment for Tamil Nadu’s innovation ecosystem,” Dr Karthikeyan said.
“By partnering with the University of Melbourne, we are positioning Tamil Nadu as a preferred global destination for quantum computing and agri-tech research and development. Together, we will nurture talent, generate cutting-edge solutions and create meaningful economic opportunities for our region.”
The agreement builds on a Letter of Intent signed earlier this year and reflects growing education and research ties between Australia and India, with both organisations aiming to foster innovation, skills development and commercial collaboration across strategic technology sectors.
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