CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with The University of Melbourne on Thursday to enable deeper connections between the Tamil Nadu and the University’s innovation system. The LoI will facilitate the establishment of long-term collaboration in the innovation ecosystem, supporting researchers, students, startups, innovators, companies and investors, to create a holistic ecosystem for advancements in innovation between Australia and India.
The University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), Professor Michael Wesley, and CEO of iTNT Hub, Vanitha Venugopal exchanged the LoI in the presence of the Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services (IT&DS) Department, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan; Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary to Government, IT & DS Department; and Silai Zaki, Consul – General, Australia.
iTNT Hub serves as a central catalyst for advancing frontier technologies such as AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, Robotics, Semiconductor and Quantum Computing – providing a platform for startups, innovators and researchers to innovate, scale, and attract investment through its flagship incubation and acceleration programs.
Vanitha Venugopal said their innovation network serves as a catalyst that mobilises dynamic entrepreneurship, academic research, industry diversity, global alliances, and India’s untapped potential.
“The iTNT Hub–University of Melbourne LoI aims to build a strong cross-border innovation ecosystem connecting startups, academia, and industries in India and Australia.
Together, they plan to co-develop acceleration programs, facilitate startup and mentor exchanges, and host expert sessions to drive technology transfer and entrepreneurship. The partnership will also promote peer learning networks and investor engagement to strengthen the startup landscape. Grounded in mutual trust and equality, both institutions will operate independently while pursuing shared innovation goals. The agreement will run for three years, ensuring sustained cooperation and measurable impact,” Vanitha Venugopal said.
Professor Michael Wesley said the partnership has the potential to foster greater collaboration between the University of Melbourne and iTNT Hub to address the social, environmental and health challenges both our nations face. “Mutually beneficial exchanges between the University of Melbourne and the innovation ecosystem of iTNT Hub will provide rich opportunities for co-creation and development,” Professor Wesley said.
“By working together, we can contribute to new technologies, foster greater interactions between founders and researcher-led startups, and develop new approaches.
The University of Melbourne has a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, and our ambition is to ensure it continues to expand globally and generate more opportunities for collaboration,” the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Melbourne added.
