La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell is in India from 1 to 5 February, stepping up collaboration on skills, innovation and research translation as artificial intelligence reshapes how economies work and compete.
The visit, spanning Goa, Bengaluru and New Delhi, reflects La Trobe’s long-term commitment to India and its focus on working with governments, universities and industry to build workforce capability and translate research into economic and social outcomes in both countries.
Across the program, Professor Farrell is meeting senior leaders in education, government and industry to strengthen partnerships aligned with India’s skills priorities and innovation ecosystem, as digital technologies and AI increasingly influence the future of work.
Professor Farrell said the timing of the visit was critical for higher education systems around the world.
“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.”
The visit begins in Goa, where Professor Farrell will speak at the QS India Summit on 2 February, contributing to discussions on how education policy, regulation and international collaboration can support India’s skills and workforce priorities.
In Bengaluru on 3 February, the focus shifts to biotechnology and startups, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding with The GAIN—Global Startup Accelerator. The agreement supports collaboration in research translation and innovation, linking Indian startups and researchers with Australian markets, capital and university-led innovation programs to create clearer pathways for cross-border commercialisation and scale.
The MoU builds on La Trobe University’s expanding presence in India across research, innovation and industry engagement, positioning the university as a long-term partner within India’s startup and deep-tech ecosystem. The GAIN operates as a global accelerator, mentorship and investment advisory arm of StartupXseed Ventures, a deep-tech venture capital fund.
The visit concludes in New Delhi on 5 February, where Professor Farrell will take part in The PIE Live India, joining global education leaders to discuss workforce transformation, education reform and global mobility.
La Trobe’s engagement with India spans more than three decades, with over 12,000 India-born alumni and partnerships that range from joint engineering and law programs to large-scale research collaborations in areas such as smart cities, health, sustainable agriculture and digital technologies. Through this latest visit, the university is reinforcing a strategy centred on long-term collaboration, research-led innovation and shared outcomes for Australia and India.
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