Monash University has signed a partnership with RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group’s Firstsource Solutions Limited to co-develop next generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and expand their use across business and research sectors.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, witnessed by Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson. The partnership aims to bridge university research and industry delivery, combining Monash’s academic leadership with Firstsource’s practical expertise in digital technology.
Through the collaboration, Firstsource and the Monash AI Institute within the Faculty of Information Technology will work on translating advanced AI research into scalable and responsible systems that can deliver measurable results for businesses, government and communities.
Firstsource, headquartered in India, brings global experience in technology services and digital ecosystems, opening avenues for cross-border collaboration, research exchange and talent development between Australia and India.
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President Professor Craig Jeffrey said the partnership would help accelerate innovation with tangible social outcomes.
“At Monash, we are committed to creating global impact through collaborative innovation,” Professor Jeffrey said.
“This partnership with Firstsource brings together our deep research capability and their proven expertise in digital transformation and innovation to develop and scale technologies and AI solutions that have meaningful benefits for people and society.”
Firstsource Managing Director and CEO, Ritesh Idnani, said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to applying advanced AI to real-world challenges while strengthening Australia’s digital capabilities.
“It underscores our deeper, long-term commitment to Australia—to work alongside leading universities, government, and industry to drive sustainable economic and talent outcomes.
“By combining Monash’s innovation engine with our deep domain expertise and outcome-focused UnBPOᵀᴹ approach, we aim to accelerate responsible AI adoption that delivers measurable impact and strengthens Australia’s digital competitiveness in an increasingly complex world.
“At the same time, we’re building pathways for the next generation of innovators and technologists. This is a model for how industry and academia can come together to shape a more resilient, tech-enabled future.”
Minister Pearson said the Victorian Government supports Firstsource’s decision to base its Australian headquarters in Melbourne, citing its contribution to local jobs and skills.
“The company’s growing presence in Victoria is strengthening our thriving tech sector, creating hundreds of high-value jobs, and building a valuable partnership with Monash University to upskill students and drive real-world innovation in AI—helping to build the tech talent of the future.”
The agreement will give Monash students access to internships, placements and live innovation projects with Firstsource, preparing them for emerging opportunities in AI and digital technology.
Monash AI Institute Director and Associate Dean (Innovation), Professor Shonali Krishnaswamy, said the collaboration strengthens Monash’s role in global AI research and responsible innovation.
“This partnership brings together Monash’s world-class research in advanced AI, including neurosymbolic and optimisation-driven systems, multimodal generative and machine learning approaches, with Firstsource’s deep expertise in digital transformation,” Professor Krishnaswamy said.
“By combining our complementary strengths, we aim to create AI solutions that are both powerful and responsible, driving breakthroughs initially in health AI and expanding into other sectors.
“Together, we are creating a model for collaboration between academia and industry that enables AI innovations to deliver meaningful, translational impact.”
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