The partnership establishes a two-way, venture-backed bridge connecting Bengaluru-based founders to Australian capital and markets, while supporting Australian startups with a structured soft-landing into India’s investment and industry ecosystem.
The collaboration reflects La Trobe University’s approach to global innovation moving beyond research into translation, market access, and international scale. By linking university-led innovation with venture-backed acceleration and on-ground execution, the partnership creates clear pathways for startups and researchers across AI, HealthTech, and Sustainability.
Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University, said:
“At La Trobe, we see universities as engines of global innovation. This partnership with The GAIN brings together research excellence, entrepreneurial ambition, and venture capital capability to create a powerful pathway for deep-tech solutions to scale internationally. By strengthening links between Australia and India, we are building an innovation corridor designed to deliver impact where it matters most across industry, society, and the global economy.”
From an execution perspective, the partnership draws on The GAIN and StartupXseed Ventures’ experience supporting international startups through market entry and local partnerships.
BV Naidu, Founder and Chairman of The GAIN, noted:
“The GAIN and StartupXseed ventures have successfully guided multiple international startups through soft launches and market entry in India… By partnering with La Trobe University, we can scale this impact further, creating a robust, two-way innovation corridor.”
Ravi Thakur, Co-Founding Partner, StartupXseed Ventures, added:
“India represents a significant growth opportunity for Australian startups, and successful market entry depends on strong local partnerships.”
Vivek Saxena, Advisor and Head of The GAIN, said:
“Partnering with La Trobe University enables us to scale this impact and build a robust, two-way innovation corridor that supports Australian startups entering India and Indian startups expanding into Australia.”
The MoU also builds on La Trobe University’s existing India engagements by embedding industry access and investment readiness alongside research translation.
As Dr. Cerasela Tanasescu, Director of La Trobe Innovation and Entrepreneurship, observed:
“Our program already benefits from strong partners in India providing critical product development expertise, and this partnership with The GAIN secures the industry access and investment opportunities our ecosystem requires.”
Together, the collaboration aligns research translation, venture capability, and market execution across the India–Australia innovation ecosystem.
