La Trobe deepens Australia–India partnership

The visit reflects La Trobe’s long-term strategic commitment to India and its focus on partnering with governments, universities and industry to build workforce capability, scale innovation and translate research into economic and social impact across both countries.

Across engagements in Goa, Bengaluru and New Delhi, Professor Farrell will meet senior leaders in education, government and industry to strengthen partnerships aligned with India’s skills priorities, innovation ecosystem and the future of work, as digital technologies and AI reshape economies globally.

Professor Farrell said the visit comes at a pivotal moment for higher education systems worldwide.

“India is emerging as a global leader in digital capability, innovation and talent at precisely the moment when artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, learn and compete,” Professor Farrell said.

“Universities have a critical role to play, not only in educating graduates but in working with industry and government to translate research into productivity, jobs and inclusive growth.

“At La Trobe, we are embedding AI across teaching, research and industry collaboration to ensure graduates have the skills, ethical foundations and real-world experience needed for the jobs of the future.

“Through our partnerships in India, we are focused on translating research into impact, supporting innovation, productivity and workforce development in both countries.”

Professor Farrell will speak at the QS India Summit in Goa on 2 February, contributing to a policy-focused discussion on how education policy, regulation and international collaboration can support India’s skills and workforce priorities.

Following the summit, Professor Farrell will visit Bengaluru on 3 February to engage with India’s biotechnology and startup sectors, including the signing of an MoU with The GAIN – Global Startup Accelerator, supporting collaboration in research translation and innovation.  

The MoU builds on La Trobe University’s expanding India footprint across research, innovation and industry engagement, positioning the university as a long-term partner in India’s startup and deep-tech ecosystem.

The GAIN is a Global Accelerator, mentorship and investment advisory arm of its sister concern - StartupXseed Ventures, a DeepTech Venture Capital Fund. Through their partnership, La Trobe will connect Indian startups and researchers to Australian markets, capital and University-led innovation programs, creating structured pathways for cross-border commercialisation and scale.

The visit will conclude in New Delhi on 5 February, where Professor Farrell will participate in The PIE Live India, joining global education leaders to discuss workforce transformation, education reform and global mobility.

Through this visit, La Trobe University continues to build purposeful, long-term partnerships that support education, research and innovation outcomes for India and Australia.