UoA’s first successful Maitri funding submission

The University of Adelaide and O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) have been awarded AUD$390,000 in funding as part of the Maitri Grant Scheme from DFAT’s Centre for Australia-India Relations, for a ThincLab/ECIC – IDEATE Lab Business Incubator Collaboration. 

This is the first time the University has been successful in securing a Maitri Grant.

Led by Professor Paul Steffens at the Adelaide Business School and supported by Pavan (Tejpavan) Gandhok (JGU), the new business incubator collaboration between the two institutions will support 120 new venture founders and business incubator staff, strengthening innovation ties between Australia and India.

The project will enhance cross-cultural entrepreneurial understanding, promote cultural business awareness, and unlock new market opportunities across both nations.

The Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants, administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, aims to support greater exchange and collaboration with India across technology, business, education and culture.

"Australia and India’s relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are deepening cooperation across priority sectors that are vital to both nations' futures, including in defence, trade, education, and technology,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

"The Maitri Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships are a symbol of this, and I congratulate the worthy recipients whose contributions will bring our countries' strong links to life."

To find out more about Australia-India grant opportunities, please contact Daniel Tackage, Global Partnerships Manager (South Asia).