A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) recognises the growing need to accelerate the global transition to clean and renewable energy.
On Thursday 2 April, Professor Lisa Zamberlan (Pro Vice-Chancellor International) and Dipankar Chakraborty (Managing Director, South Asia) travelled to the Indian state of Karnataka to formalise UNSW’s partnership with KREDL.
KREDL plays a central role in supporting renewable energy initiatives across India. As a government-led agency, it provides support for the development of alternative energy projects, particularly those that source energy from biomass, cogeneration, solar, hydro and wind.
The MOU establishes key joint priorities and next actions including:
• the facilitation of two-way exchange opportunities
• the establishment of a renewable energy startup incubator in Karnataka
• a structured capacity building for startups through UNSW Founders
• reciprocal access to Australian and Indian markets, innovation networks and research infrastructure
• collaboration between Indian and Australian researchers, universities and industry partners.
“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,” Lisa said.
“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.J. George, the Cabinet Minister of Energy in the Government of Karnataka; Gaurav Gupta, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department from the Government of Karnataka; and Hilary McGeachy, the Consul-General in India, Bengaluru, also attended the signing.
With the collaboration facilitated by the Australian India Business Council (AIBC) and Investment NSW, UNSW and KREDL’s partners at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (NSRCEL) and the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc) are also set to support the MoU.
NSRCEL will act as the incubation and program delivery partner, providing accelerator programming and investor connections. IISc will provide deep-tech and research support, with access to advanced laboratories and technical validation for startups working on cutting-edge energy technologies.
Both NSRCEL and IISc will also provide expert consultation on startup selection and mentorship for startups.
With the opening of the UNSW Bengaluru campus planned for August and an Open Day for prospective students scheduled for 25 April 2026, the MoU sets the stage for long-term renewable energy entrepreneurship and startup collaboration between UNSW and Karnataka.
Through this growing partnership, UNSW and KREDL aim to position Karnataka as a global hub for renewable energy innovation, accelerate the growth of high-impact clean energy startups and contribute to long-term climate, energy security and sustainability outcomes in India and globally.
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