The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) to collaborate on clean energy innovation and support startups across India and Australia.
The agreement, formalised on April 2 in Karnataka, aims to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy through research, incubation and market access initiatives.
Under the partnership, the two organisations plan to establish a renewable energy startup incubator in Karnataka and facilitate exchange programmes and capacity-building initiatives through UNSW Founders.
KREDL, a state government agency, has been involved in promoting renewable energy projects across solar, wind, hydro and biomass segments in Karnataka.
Professor Lisa Zamberlan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), UNSW, 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.”
K.P. Rudrappaiah, Managing Director, KREDL, said the partnership is expected to accelerate clean energy adoption while creating investment opportunities and leveraging international expertise.
The MoU will also enable startups to access research infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and markets in both countries, while fostering collaboration between academia 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… 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 the Australian India Business Council and Investment NSW, with participation from NSRCEL and the Indian Institute of Science, which will support incubation, research and technical validation.
K.J. George, Karnataka’s energy minister, said the initiative would strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem and support renewable energy startups.
The partnership comes ahead of the planned launch of UNSW’s Bengaluru campus in August 2026 and is expected to support long-term collaboration in clean energy and entrepreneurship.