Bengaluru: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has entered into a strategic partnership with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) to accelerate clean energy innovation and bolster startup ecosystems across India and Australia.
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 2 in Karnataka, aims to promote joint research, cross-border incubation, and market access for emerging clean-tech startups. The agreement was signed by UNSW Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Lisa Zamberlan and KREDL Managing Director K. P. Rudrappaiah, in the presence of senior government and industry representatives.
At the heart of the partnership is a plan to establish a renewable energy startup incubator in Karnataka, alongside structured capacity-building programmes and exchange opportunities through UNSW Founders. The initiative is designed to foster collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry players from both nations.
KREDL, a key government agency driving renewable energy projects in Karnataka since 1996, has played a major role in advancing solar, wind, hydro, and biomass initiatives in the state.
Highlighting the significance of the pact, Zamberlan said the collaboration aligns with UNSW’s global strategy and strengthens its engagement in India, particularly with the upcoming UNSW Bengaluru campus. Rudrappaiah noted that the partnership would open up new investment avenues, leverage Australian expertise, and deliver broader socio-economic benefits.
The agreement will also allow startups to tap into shared innovation ecosystems, research infrastructure, and bilateral market opportunities, while encouraging deeper collaboration between academia and industry.
Welcoming the initiative, Hilary McGeachy said India and Australia are well positioned to support each other’s clean energy transitions, adding that the partnership would boost green technology startups in Karnataka.
The collaboration has been facilitated by the Australian India Business Council and Investment NSW, with key institutional support from NSRCEL at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
NSRCEL will lead incubation and programme delivery, offering accelerator support and investor access, while IISc will provide deep-tech expertise, lab facilities, and technical validation for emerging energy solutions.
Karnataka Energy Minister K. J. George described the partnership as a significant step toward strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem and attracting global investment in renewable energy.
With UNSW’s Bengaluru campus slated to open in August 2026, the partnership is expected to deepen long-term collaboration in clean energy and entrepreneurship, positioning Karnataka as a global hub for sustainable innovation.
