IIT Madras Global Research Foundation and Indonesia’s education ministry sign MoU to strengthen joint research, deep-tech innovation, startups and talent development under the India–Indonesia strategic partnership.
A strategic partnership for innovation
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia has partnered with the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global) to strengthen strategic cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, deep technology, entrepreneurship and talent development. The partnership reflects the shared aspirations of India and Indonesia to build globally competitive innovation ecosystems that support sustainable economic growth, technological self-reliance and knowledge-driven development.education.
IIT Madras hosted Prof Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Republic of Indonesia, during which a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Madras Global Research Foundation and the Indonesian ministry. The MoU aims to strengthen collaborative research and innovation ecosystems, accelerate deep-tech commercialisation and advance the India–Indonesia South–South Strategic Partnership.
From bilateral summit to institutional collaboration
The partnership emerged directly from recent bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. During those talks, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to significantly expanding cooperation in higher education, science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The MoU translates that political commitment into an institutional framework that can support concrete projects, joint programmes and long-term collaboration.
By bringing together IIT Madras’ globally recognised strengths in research, deep technologies and innovation with Indonesia’s ambitious national development agenda, the partnership seeks to create transformative solutions. These solutions aim to contribute not only to Indonesia’s economic growth but also serve as a scalable model for future South–South partnerships, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Jakarta.
Building the India–Indonesia Innovation Corridor
The MoU was signed by Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Director of IIT Madras Global Research Foundation; Madhav Narayan, CEO and Director of IIT Madras Global Research Foundation; and Dr Mohammad Fauzan Adziman, Director General of Research and Development from the Indonesian Education Ministry. The signing took place in the presence of Prof V Kamakoti, Chairman of IIT Madras Global Research Foundation and Director of IIT Madras; Hon’ble Minister Prof Brian Yuliarto; Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia; Prof Preeti Aghalayam, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras; IIT Madras deans and faculty members; senior officials from the Governments of India and Indonesia; and distinguished stakeholders.education.
Prof Brian Yuliarto said Indonesia has set an ambitious vision to become a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy. He added that achieving this vision requires strong partnerships that empower universities, researchers, students and entrepreneurs to work together with world-class institutions. Through the collaboration with IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, universities across Indonesia will have greater opportunities to participate in joint research, talent development, technology commercialisation and innovation programmes.
He emphasised that the goal is not only to produce excellent research but to transform ideas into startups, help those startups grow into globally competitive industries, and create greater economic value for Indonesia. He expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem while reflecting the growing strategic relationship between Indonesia and India.
IIT Madras’ global engagement model
Prof V Kamakoti said the partnership reflects the confidence that strategic nations place in IIT Madras’ research excellence and innovation ecosystem. Through IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, the institute is extending its capabilities beyond national boundaries to co-create solutions that address real-world challenges. He added that IIT Madras is delighted to partner with the Government of Indonesia in building globally competitive research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems that contribute to sustainable economic development and strengthen the enduring friendship between the two countries.
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation serves as the institute’s vehicle for international collaborations, technology transfer, startup incubation and capacity building. The foundation has already supported the establishment of IIT Madras campuses and innovation ecosystems in countries such as Tanzania and Zanzibar. The Indonesia MoU extends this model to Southeast Asia, where deep-tech research, AI, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure offer significant opportunities for joint development.
Focus areas and expected outcomes
The partnership will foster joint research, accelerate deep-tech commercialisation, nurture startups and build globally competitive innovation ecosystems. It will promote joint research projects, technology transfer, startup incubation and academic exchanges between institutions from both countries. Areas of collaboration may include artificial intelligence, advanced materials, clean energy, healthcare technologies, agritech, fintech and other sectors where both nations have strategic interests.
For Indonesia, the MoU provides access to IIT Madras’ expertise in research, deep-tech startups, technology transfer, skilling and innovation-led capacity building. For IIT Madras, the partnership opens pathways for joint publications, co-supervised doctoral students, shared infrastructure and collaborative grant applications. It also creates opportunities for Indian startups to engage with Indonesian markets and for Indonesian entrepreneurs to tap into IIT Madras’ incubation networks.
The agreement was also welcomed during the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar, where Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi met Prof Brian Yuliarto. Both sides highlighted the MoU as a significant step towards deeper India–Indonesia collaboration in research, innovation and talent development.
Strengthening the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The MoU marks a major milestone in strengthening the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It brings together IIT Madras’ globally recognised strengths in research, deep technology and innovation with Indonesia’s ambitious vision for knowledge-driven economic growth. Together, the two sides will collaborate across higher education, advanced research, deep technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and talent development to accelerate technology commercialisation, build robust innovation ecosystems, and create lasting impact for both nations.
As both countries pursue digital transformation, climate action and industrial modernisation, such partnerships can play a pivotal role. By linking research institutions, startups, industry and government agencies, the MoU can help convert scientific discoveries into products, services and enterprises that address real-world challenges.
If implemented effectively, the collaboration can produce joint research outputs, spin-off companies, skilled professionals and policy insights that benefit both India and Indonesia. It can also inspire similar partnerships with other countries in the Global South, reinforcing the role of education and innovation in sustainable development.
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