University of New South Wales (UNSW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited to expand cooperation in clean and renewable energy, with a focus on startups and innovation between India and Australia.

The MOU was signed on 2nd April in Karnataka by Lisa Zamberlan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International), UNSW, and K. P. Rudrappaiah, Managing Director, KREDL, in the presence of delegates from the government and industry.

The collaboration will be conducted through research collaboration, incubation of startups, and engagement with industries. Under the MoU, both organisations are keen to establish a renewable energy startup incubator in Karnataka, along with facilitating exchanges through UNSW Founders.

KREDL, a state agency established in 1996, has been involved in renewable energy development in Karnataka, including projects in solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and cogeneration.

Professor Lisa Zamberlan said, “The MoU with KREDL strengthens UNSW’s connection to the community we hope to serve, with Karnataka being the home of our first overseas campus UNSW Bengaluru. This partnership aligns strongly with UNSW’s Progress for All strategy, providing innovative pathways for the best use of UNSW and KREDL’s joint strengths to support the transition to renewable energy in India and globally.”

Rudrappaiah said, “The growing partnership between UNSW and KREDL will create positive societal impact in Karnataka and globally, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, generating new investment opportunities for our businesses and leveraging Australian expertise to strengthen our communities and infrastructure.”

The agreement also provides startups with access to research infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and market linkages in both countries, while encouraging collaboration between universities and industry.

Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consul-General in Bengaluru, said, “Australia and India are well positioned to help with each other’s clean energy transition. One way we are already doing this is by deploying cutting-edge Australian research to solve these challenges. This partnership between KREDL and UNSW is a welcome initiative which will support green tech start-ups here in Karnataka.”

The collaboration has been facilitated by Australian India Business Council and Investment NSW, with participation from NSRCEL at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and Indian Institute of Science.

NSRCEL will act as the incubation and programme partner, providing accelerator support and investor access, while IISc will offer technical validation and research support. Both institutions will also be involved in startup selection and mentoring.

K. J. George, Karnataka’s Energy Minister, said, “It is expected that this association will promote innovation and incubation in the domain of renewable energy technology and start-ups, while enhancing the relationship of Karnataka with Australian institutions.”

The UNSW campus at Bengaluru is scheduled to open its doors in August 2026. The partnership is likely to support ongoing collaboration in renewable energy and startup development between the two countries.