The Centre for Australia-India Relations has announced the recipients of this year’s Maitri Research and Cultural Partnerships Grants, aimed at deepening links between Australia and India. The grants will support various projects, including sustainable manufacturing, energy transition research, and cultural collaborations, to promote friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Five Maitri Research Grants will explore opportunities in agribusiness, critical technology, energy transition, and advanced manufacturing, paving the way for commercialization of Australian research and technical capabilities in India. This will foster industrial collaboration and drive innovation in both countries.
In addition, fourteen Maitri Cultural Partnerships will connect Australian cultural organizations with India’s creative sector, including three First Nations collaboration projects. These partnerships will promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange, enriching the artistic landscape of both nations.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said,
“Whether it’s shared research, commercial innovation, cultural exchanges – or just laughing together – we are proud to support these initiatives, because we understand that human connections and people to people links have always been at the heart of the Australia-India relationship.”
One of the projects will see an artistic duo transform Melbourne’s Federation Square into a living canvas, showcasing the vibrant cultural connection between Australia and India. Other initiatives include workshops connecting Australian energy transition researchers and start-ups with India, and a project to grow sustainable manufacturing of Australian technology in India.
Tim Thomas, CEO, Centre for Australia-India Relations said,
“The Maitri Cultural Partnerships support innovative collaboration between small and large cultural organisations in Australia with India’s thriving creative sectors.”