University of Melbourne and Tamil Nadu forge partnership on emerging technologies

Dr. V. Karthikeyan, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, TIDCO and Prof. Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor International, University of Melbourne, Australia exchange the signed Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Ms. Silai Zaki, Hon'ble Consul-General of Australia in Chennai and officials from both organisations. Image credit: TIDCO

The University of Melbourne has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) Limited to drive collaborative research, curriculum development and skills training in quantum computing and Agri Tech.

The University of Melbourne Centre for Emerging Technologies will be established at Tamil

Nadu Knowledge City in Tiruvallur, with a dedicated research and teaching facility spanning approximately 20,000 square feet at the Tamil Nadu Knowledge City's plug-and-play knowledge tower.

The partnership will encompass basic, applied and translational research conducted in collaboration with industry partners. Beyond research, the initiative also aims to deliver industry-aligned curriculum development, workforce skilling and certification programmes, joint R&D projects, prototyping and pilot testing.

The Centre will also facilitate industry–academia collaborations through exchange programmes, technical workshops and dual certification courses.

Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, said the MoU provides a strong foundation for deeper collaboration with TIDCO.

“We look forward to partnering with TIDCO and our colleagues in India on this initiative,” Professor 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.”

Dr. D. Karthikeyan, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, TIDCO said: "This partnership marks a transformative moment for Tamil Nadu's innovation ecosystem. 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."

This MoU builds on the Letter of Intent signed by both parties earlier this year, advancing the shared commitment to transformative collaboration between Australia and India.