The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) to deepen collaboration on clean and renewable energy and to support start-ups and innovation between India and Australia. The agreement, formalised in April 2026, aims to foster cross-border research links and industry engagement that will accelerate deployment of renewable solutions. The partnership prioritises incubator development, exchange programmes and structured capacity building through UNSW Founders to strengthen entrepreneurial pathways.

The MoU was formalised in Karnataka and was signed by senior representatives including the Pro Vice-Chancellor for international at the University of New South Wales and the managing director of KREDL in the presence of government and industry stakeholders. KREDL, established in 1996, has supported projects across solar, wind, hydro, biomass and cogeneration and will contribute regulatory insight and regional networks. UNSW will contribute research infrastructure, incubation expertise and access to international mentors and investors.

Key institutional partners include NSRCEL at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Science, which will provide incubation delivery, deep-tech validation and laboratory access. The Australian India Business Council and Investment NSW facilitated the collaboration and will support investor engagement and market linkages. NSRCEL will serve as the incubation and programme delivery partner offering accelerator support and connections to investors while the Indian Institute of Science will support technical validation.

State leadership described the pact as a step to strengthen Karnataka's innovation ecosystem and to create investment opportunities while leveraging Australian expertise to support communities and infrastructure. With the UNSW Bengaluru campus due to open in August 2026, the partnership is expected to play a key role in sustaining long-term collaboration, attracting high-impact start-ups and positioning Karnataka as a global hub for clean energy innovation. Both organisations will monitor progress through joint selection, mentorship and investor engagement processes.