Accelerating the transition to clean and renewable energy

UNSW and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd will provide foundational support for clean energy startups across Australia and India.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between 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.”

Gaurav Gupta IAS, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department from the Government of Karnataka; Vik Singh, Trade & Investment Commissioner of Austrade; Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (NSRCEL), IIM Bangalore; Raj Waghray, Head STEM Cell, FSID, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc); Dileep Ebrahim, Director INQ Innovation Global; and Hilary McGeachy, the Consul-General in India, Bengaluru, also attended.

“Australia and India are well positioned to help with each other’s clean energy transition. One way we are already doing this is by deploying cutting edge Australian research to solve these challenges. This partnership between KREDL and UNSW is a welcome initiative which will support green tech start-ups here in Karnataka,” said Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consul-General in Bengaluru.

With the collaboration facilitated by the Australian India Business Council and Investment NSW, UNSW and KREDL’s partners at the NSRCEL and the 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.

“This partnership will drive innovation and incubation in renewable energy technologies and startups, strengthening Karnataka’s relationships with Australian institutions and creating new investment opportunities,” said K.J. George, the Cabinet Minister of Energy in the Government of Karnataka.

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.

“The growing partnership between UNSW and KREDL will create positive societal impact in Karnataka and globally, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, generating new investment opportunities for our businesses and leveraging Australian expertise to strengthen our communities and infrastructure,” said KP Rudrappaiah, Managing Director of KREDL.

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.

You can read more about the MOU in The Times of India.