Stressing on innovation, Australia today invited Indian companies to enhance their competitiveness through technology driven collaborations.
Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling described his country as "a perfect partner" for India when it comes cutting edge technology.
Showcasing its achievements by bringing researchers from its top universities and research bodies here, Australia also announced the launch of a new multi-million dollar scholarship programme "to provide the next breed of researchers and entrepreneurs academic support and supervision".
"We invite interested Indian companies to contact us to see how they can work with Australia to enhance their competitiveness through technology driven partnerships," said Nicola Watkinson, senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, South Asia, Australian Trade Commission.
The "Australia Innovation Showcase brings the largest group of Australian researchers and academics to India who will demonstrate their country's research, innovation and technical credentials to leading figures within the Indian industry.
"It will show why our country is a perfect partner for India when it comes cutting edge technology," said Suckling during an event today.
Australia also launched the "Melbourne-India Postgraduate Programme (MIPP)" scholarship. A joint initiative of four institutions, the three million Australian dollars programme will provide 16 PhD scholorships and support for research exchanges over the next three years.
The new programme will be a valuable addition to Melbourne's already extensive scholarship offers, University of Melbourne VC Glyn Davis said, adding that the programme will go a long way to support research that has global impact and benefits.
The programme will officially commence from 2014 and will be open to PhD students enrolled at the University of Melbourne and alternatively students enrolled in one of the three Indian institutions will have access to co-supervision with Melbourne academics.
Elaborating about the showcase, Australian embassy officials said that the programme of events over one month will highlight Australian research and technology in knowledge based industries including information technology, biotechnology and life sciences, materials sciences for advanced manufacturing and energy efficiency.
"This is largest concentration of Australian scientific and research knowhow to be showcased in India and interest from Indian major commercial entities and research agencies has been overwhelming," Watkinson said.
